The Magic found the formula for making the playoffs. For them, it was called desperation
Orlando Magic secure playoff spot after defeating Hornets 121-90!
The Kansas City Royals lost their fifth consecutive game, falling 4-2 to the New York team. Each loss has been close, with the latest defeat marking the first time they lost by more than one run.
Mentioned in this story
Feb 19, 2026; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Alex Lange (56) poses for a photo for MLB media day at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images | Allan Henry-Imagn Images
The Royals have now lost five straight. Those five losses all have a lot in common. The most obvious similarity is that they were all close games decided in the seventh inning or later. Tonightâs was the first game where they lost by more than a single run. It did, unfortunately, continue the streak of a different reliever blowing the game. John Schreiber blew it on Sunday, then Nick Mears blew it on Tuesday, Eli Morgan lost it on Wednesday, Lucas Erceg lost it on Thursday, and tonight it was Alex Langeâs turn.
Of particular note to me is that Matt Strahm has only pitched in one game this week. Itâs not an excuse, but with him unavailable, guys are being forced to pitch innings they otherwise wouldnât and throwing off routines like that or asking guys to pitch in higher leverage than theyâre used to could be a contributing factor. Since we havenât heard of any injury, Iâve wondered if he (and other pitchers in the bullpen) might be ill and that could be contributing as well. But we wonât know unless someone asks manager Matt Quatraro and he gives an honest answer.
OK, so those are the negatives. I want to spend some time on the positives for a bit before we call it a night.
The Royals' losing streak is attributed to close games, with each loss occurring in the seventh inning or later, often due to reliever struggles.
Alex Lange was the reliever who blew the game for the Royals in their latest loss to New York.
There are concerns about the bullpen's performance, particularly with Matt Strahm pitching only once this week, but no injuries have been reported.
Orlando Magic secure playoff spot after defeating Hornets 121-90!
USWNT closes out Japan series with a dominant 3-0 win in Colorado!
Coleman Crow shines in MLB debut as Brewers beat Marlins 7-5 in extras!
Kennedy Wesley shines with her first goal as USWNT wins 3-0 against Japan!
Emeka Egbuka shines as the Buccaneers' potential successor to Mike Evans.
Eugenio SuĂĄrez's clutch performance leads Reds to a 2-1 victory against the Twins.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
OK, yeah, thatâs probably enough. The Royals will try again to snap the skid tomorrow. Noah Cameron (3.94 ERA, 4.15 SIERA) will face off against Will Warren (2.45 ERA, 3.29 SIERA). Donât forget itâs an East Coast afternoon game, so first pitch will be at 12:35 Kauffman time.