BOSTON -- With less than two months remaining on the regular-season schedule, Royals manager Ned Yost has an objective. He isn’t focused on what the team has done to this point -- he is looking forward to what they can accomplish next.

“I’m just trying to figure out how to win a game right now, how to finish the last seven weeks strong,” Yost said Wednesday.

The Royals entered the series finale against the Red Sox after snapping a seven-game losing streak and defeating the reigning World Series champions on Tuesday behind two home runs by Jorge Soler.

The emergence of talent like Soler, who already has 30 homers, and the development of a young team has Yost’s attention. Nine players on the roster are 25 years old or younger.

“It’s my job, that’s what keeps me going,” Yost said. “I signed a contract to give my best effort every single day, that’s what keeps [me] going. And I like these kids. They work hard, they play hard. These kids have never dogged it one time. They continue to work, and they’re striving to get better. I want to help them. I want to help them get better. I signed a contract. Just because we’re struggling, doesn’t mean I quit.”

Yost has been managing the Royals since 2010. He was at the helm of the 2015 World Series champion team.

“I’ve been doing this a long time,” Yost said. “Every day I show up ready to go. I show up and walk through that door, and I’m going to give my best effort to them because they’re going to give their best effort for me. Combined, we’re going to give our best effort for the Kansas City Royals and the fans. That’s what we do every day -- try to get better, try to win.”

The Royals aim to win the series against the Red Sox before heading to Detroit to take on the Tigers.

“I want every game to end up on a high game, so I treat it like every other game,” Yost said of the series finale. “There’s no difference in my mindset from one day to the next. First game, second game, last game -- just try to do the best we can.”

Merrifield has college reunion at Fenway

When the Royals face the Red Sox, it’s a reunion for Whit Merrifield. The second baseman played college baseball at the University of South Carolina with Red Sox outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. Since their days on campus, both have gone on to become Major League All-Stars. Bradley also has won a Gold Glove Award and the 2018 American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award.

Bradley recognized Merrifield, who is one year senior, had pro ball potential back in college.

“You know when a player’s good or great. We all knew that Whit was going to be great,” Bradley said. “He’s a gamer. He’s going to find a way to win at all costs. He’s going to find a way to get that hit. He’s going to find a way to make that play. That’s what he’s always been.”

Years later, Merrifield still remembers the first time they met. Bradley showed off his arm by throwing a ball from home plate over the outfield fence.

“It’s always great to see people that you played with a long time ago get up to this level,” Merrifield said. “You know the grind, you know how tough it is.”

Merrifield and Bradley have stayed in close contact over the years. Merrifield’s father was in attendance at Fenway Park, and Bradley paid him a visit after batting practice.

“This is what we all aspire to,” Bradley said. “For [Merrifield] to do it at the highest level, I’m happy for him and his family.”

Gallagher scratched

Catcher Cam Gallagher was removed from Wednesday night's starting lineup after batting practice because of left side tightness. Meibrys Viloria started in his place.