Royals Avoid Sweep in Chicago with 7-5 Win Over White Sox
CHICAGO — The Kansas City Royals snapped their recent skid with a much-needed 7-5 win over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday, avoiding a series sweep and closing out their road trip on a high note.
Jonathan India delivered the go-ahead RBI double in the seventh inning as part of a two-run frame that helped the Royals regain control of the game. The clutch hit drove in pinch-runner Drew Waters and gave Kansas City a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Veteran catcher Salvador Perez and young star Bobby Witt Jr. each launched two-run homers to power the offense, while rookie Jac Caglianone broke out with a perfect 4-for-4 day at the plate in just his sixth MLB game.
Pitching Steadies the Ship
Michael Lorenzen (4-6) earned his first win since April 29, tossing six solid innings after a rough stretch that saw him post a 6.89 ERA over his previous six starts. He gave the Royals a much-needed boost on the mound.
Chicago’s Miguel Vargas stayed hot with a solo homer and three RBIs, including a bases-loaded walk during a ninth-inning rally attempt. Edgar Quero added an RBI single as the White Sox pushed across three late runs. But Witt Jr. came up huge defensively, robbing Austin Slater of a potential game-tying hit with a diving stop at shortstop.
Carlos Estévez slammed the door with two outs and the bases loaded in the ninth, striking out Tim Elko to secure his 19th save of the season.
White Sox Notes
Right-hander Mike Vasil made his major league debut for the White Sox, allowing two runs on five hits over 3 1/3 innings. Tyler Alexander (3-6) took the loss in his first outing with Chicago, giving up one run over three innings after signing a one-year deal earlier in the day.
By the Numbers
- Kansas City racked up 16 hits but grounded into five double plays.
- Caglianone, who had just two hits in his first 21 at-bats, broke out in a big way.
- Witt’s ninth-inning blast was his eighth homer of the season.
What’s Next
- Royals: After a day off, Kansas City returns home Tuesday night to open a series against the New York Yankees. LHP Noah Cameron (2-1, 0.85 ERA) gets the start.
- White Sox: Chicago heads to Houston, where RHP Shane Smith (2-3, 2.45 ERA) will take the mound Tuesday. The Astros counter with RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (1-1, 4.44 ERA).