ATLANTA (AP) — Max Fried threw three hits over 8 2/3 innings and the Atlanta Braves delayed Kansas City’s playoff celebration by beating the Royals 3-0 on Friday night in the opening game of a crucial series for both teams.

Sean Murphy hit a two-run home run and Marcell Ozuna trotted home on a throwing error after stealing a base for the first time since 2022 for the Braves, who entered the night one game behind Arizona and the New York Mets in the NL. Wildcard races began.

The Mets played in Milwaukee while the Diamondbacks hosted the Padres.

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 would still be in position to enjoy an AL wild card berth on Friday if the Minnesota Twins lose to Baltimore.

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.

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

Royals starter Brady Singer (9-13) allowed two runs on four hits with three walks and five strikeouts. In the fourth, Murphy hit an 0-2 home run, and in the eighth, Ozuna scored an improbable run to win the third.

Perez was caught off guard and threw the ball into left field, leaving Ozuna to celebrate wildly in the Atlanta dugout.

TRAINER ROOM

Royals: First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (broken right thumb) was on the field during batting practice and will take simulated at-bats against reliever Will Smith on Saturday.

Braves: Starting pitcher Reynaldo López (right shoulder inflammation) withdrew from his second side session on Thursday. Atlanta manager Brian Snitker did not indicate when López might be activated.

NEXT

Right-hander Seth Lugo (16-9, 3.03 ERA) will start for the Royals on Saturday. The Braves had not yet announced a starting pitcher. Lugo allowed two runs on three hits over seven innings in his last game – a 2-0 loss to the Giants on September 22nd.