ATLANTA (AP) — Max Fried pitched the ball with three hits over 8 2/3 innings to lead the Atlanta Braves to a 3-0 victory over Kansas City on Friday night, but the Royals still had a chance to score on their first to pop the corks on its postseason berth since 2015.

Kansas City secured a wild card into the American League when Minnesota lost to Baltimore 7-2, prompting a belated but loud celebration in the visitors’ clubhouse at Truist Park.

“We’re just so proud of everyone,” said Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. “This is just the beginning of something special.”

It was also a big night for the Braves, who now hold a wild-card spot in the National League after losing to the Mets and Diamondbacks.

Sean Murphy hit a two-run home run for the Braves and Marcell Ozuna trotted home on a throwing error after stealing a base for the first time since 2022.

The Braves and Mets will play a doubleheader in Atlanta on Monday – a day after the scheduled end of the regular season – to make up for two games between the NL East rivals that were washed out by torrential rain from Hurricane Helene this week.

“This is of course a big game. “Every game counts,” said Fried. “Knowing that this could potentially be the last game I played this season, I just wanted to do everything I could to put it all out there and try to win.”

The Royals came into the game with their magic number of one and secured their first playoff appearance since winning the 2015 World Series. They failed to take care of business themselves and postponed their celebrations until the game was in Minneapolis was over.

Fried (11-10) came within one point of a shutout, leaving Raisel Iglesias as the Royals put runners on second and third. Iglesias retired Salvador Perez with a flyout for his 33rd save.

It was Fried’s first career start against the Royals.

“We knew he was going to be difficult to watch and watch over the years,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He has several pitches that are plus pitches. He uses them all. He very rarely falls into any patterns. … That was masterful pitching.”

Fried threw 98 pitches, 63 of which were for strikes. He walked two and struck out nine.

“You know exactly what you need to do,” Fried said. “We had to win this game and I just left everything.”

Royals starter Brady Singer (9-13) allowed two runs on four hits with three walks and five strikeouts. Murphy hit a home run on an 0-2 pitch that reached the middle of the zone in the fourth.

“Of course I’m trying to get that out of the way a little more,” said Singer. “I kept it in the zone and he made a good swing. If I could just get the ball further away from the plate, my chances would be a little better.”

Ozuna continued an unlikely insurance run in the eighth by stealing third. Perez was caught off guard and threw the ball into left field, leaving Ozuna to celebrate wildly in the Atlanta dugout.

“They gave him the base,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said with a smile.

FRIED FINALE

Fried has spent his entire career with the Braves but is scheduled to become a free agent after the World Series.

The left-hander recognized the meaning of the moment as he left the field to loud cheers from the crowd at Truist Park. Depending on how the season goes, it could have been his last home game in a Braves uniform.

“It was emotional walking away and hearing that,” Fried said. “I am extremely grateful and very, very grateful.”

There is no sign that the Braves are seeking a new long-term contract with Fried, a two-time All-Star who went 73-36 in eight seasons with Atlanta.

“I don’t know what the future holds, but that’s really all I know,” Fried said. “I love it.”

TRAINER ROOM

Royals: 1B Vinnie Pasquantino (broken right thumb) was on the field during batting practice and will complete simulated at-bats against backup Will Smith on Saturday.

Braves: RHP Reynaldo López (shoulder inflammation) opted out of his second sideline session Thursday, felt good and will be activated to start Saturday, Snitker said.

NEXT

RHP Seth Lugo (16-9, 3.03 ERA) will start the second game of the series for the Royals. López (8-5, 2.03) will make his first appearance since starting in Washington on September 10th. He lasted only one inning due to shoulder soreness that sent him to the 15-day injured list. Lugo allowed two runs on three hits over seven innings in his last outing, a 2-0 loss to the Giants on Sept. 22.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb