Atlanta has the most straightforward path to a postseason berth Sunday. They'll clinch a spot with a win OR a D-backs loss. They can not be eliminated Sunday, and if they do clinch a spot, Monday's doubleheader would only decide seeding for Atlanta. There would be no incentive to go all-out in those two games.

Royals captain Salvador Perez served as the designated hitter and starter Seth Lugo pitched two innings against the Braves, who beat KC 2-1 on a walk-off homer by catcher Travis d’Arnaud in the bottom of the ninth.

The Braves’ starting pitcher silenced the Royals across 8 2/3 innings, allowing just three hits and striking out nine as KC fell 3-0 at Truist Park. “He pitched,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said simply.