MLB playoff standings 2014: James Shields, Royals beat Tigers for 1st place in AL Central

Often derided for his presumptuous nickname, "Big Game" James Shields showed up for the Royals on Wednesday night, leading Kansas City to a 3-0 win over the Tigers and back into first place in the American League Central.

The Tigers got a strong start from Rick Porcello, who is still only 19 years old if you'll believe it (he is actually 25), but it wasn't sharp enough to take down the Shields-led Royals. Porcello went 6⅔ innings, allowing seven hits, two earned runs, and striking out seven. He did not walk a batter.

Both teams now move on to face weaker opponents. The Tigers host the Indians for three games before heading to Minnesota for another three, and the Royals head back to Kauffman for a nine-game homestand where they face the Red Sox and White Sox for three games apiece. After those six games, the two clubs will square off again.

• Royals Review's Shaun Newkirk breaks down Brandon Finnegan's big league debut in New York. Finnegan could be an important cog in the Royals pen as the second lefty, depending on what you think of Francisley Bueno (aside from his name).
• Lookout Landing's Peter Woodburn sizes up the remaining schedules of every team in the wild card hunt.
• The Brewers needed some good vibes after their recent slide, and career minor leaguer Matt Clark provided them:

@CespedesBBQ @C_Gomez27 was happy. pic.twitter.com/Itu5zQrqhO

— MLB Fan Cave (@MLBFanCave) September 11, 2014