WASHINGTON — The Kansas City Royals are slowly coming out of their offensive funk.

And their pitching is making a statement, too.

After snapping a 27-inning scoreless streak on Tuesday, the Royals strung together three runs in Wednesday’s shutout 3-0 win over the Washington Nationals.

Royals shortstop Michael Massey laced an RBI single in the third inning. Later, designated hitter Robbie Grossman recorded a two-run single.

It was Kansas City’s most runs scored since Friday against the San Francisco Giants at Kauffman Stadium.

The runs propelled the Royals closer to the MLB postseason. Kansas City improved to 84-74 and trimmed its magic number to three games. Any combined number of wins and Minnesota Twins losses will help the Royals clinch a playoff spot.

The Nationals fell to 69-89.

Kansas City held Washington to two hits. It was a strong effort from the Royals bullpen to cover 6 2/3 innings after veteran starter Michael Lorenzen exited due to injury.

Left-handed reliever Daniel Lynch IV pitched 2 2/3 scoreless frames. He allowed two hits to Nationals shortstop Nasim Nuñez and outfielder James Wood.

The Royals have now tossed 26 consecutive scoreless innings. It sets a new record that was previously set in 1976 and 2015 (24 innings).

Here are more notables from Wednesday’s game:

Michael Lorenzen exits with injury

The Royals took a cautious approach in the third inning. On Wednesday, Lorenzen left his start with lower body fatigue.

Lorenzen, who returned from the 15-day injured list, was sidelined with a left hamstring strain. He motioned to the Royals dugout that he needed attention while Nuñez was batting at the plate.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro and head trainer Kyle Turner headed out to the mound. The club already had Lynch warming in the bullpen, so the decision was made to take Lorenzen out.

Lorenzen mentioned on Tuesday that he felt fine while rehabbing his hamstring. He threw 28 pitches and recorded two strikeouts in his short outing.

What's next on the Royals' Schedule

The Royals conclude the three-game series on Thursday afternoon. Kansas City right-hander Michael Wacha will look for his 14th victory of the season.

Wacha owns a 3.28 ERA in 29 starts. He is one of four pitchers with at least 13 wins in the last two seasons, joining Zach Wheeler, George Kirby and Zac Gallen.

The Nationals are scheduled to start veteran left-hander Patrick Corbin. He is 6-13 with a 5.58 ERA this season.

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