The Kansas City Royals may be at the bottom of American League Central and hold the league's second-worst record but watch out because they might surprise some teams as the season gets closer to the end.

The Royals impressed in its two-series home stand, sweeping the visiting Minnesota Twins and New York Mets.

The six consecutive victories were Kansas City's first since 2016.

Pitching coach Brian Sweeney thought their current run proved that their work is now translating to the field.

"Earlier in the year, there were a lot of X's," Sweeney said pregame. "Guess what? We're starting to see some checkmarks. Guys are starting to throw some punches out there, and it's fun."

He also gave props to his players for stepping up since the second half of the season started in the middle of July.

"A rising tide raises all ships," Sweeney said. "Once you see a guy perform, the next guy kind of steps up with that. We're seeing that now in the second half."

Pitching department improving

Coach Sweeney should feel good about himself lately, as the club's pitching department is on a roll.

Even their latest recruit, Cole Ragans, is contributing after impressing in his first start since joining them last June 30.

Ragans tossed six scoreless innings in their 4-0 win against the Mets. He showed what he could do after recording an average of 95 mph, peaking at 97 mph. He kept the visitors off balance through his five whiffs on 13 swings and his looping curveball.

Kansas City Royals will play Philadelphia Phillies next. They remain the underdog, but after their recent showing, who knows?