KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals’ dominance over the first-place Chicago White Sox continued on Thursday night, with a dramatic walk-off victory in the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium.
With Jarrod Dyson on second, the White Sox intentionally walked Jeff Francoeur to get to Eric Hosmer. The decision backfired, as Hosmer delivered a walk-off RBI single to left field to cap the season series against Chicago.
The Royals (68-81, 34-41 home) have been a major source of frustration for the White Sox this season. With the victory, Kansas City sealed their fifth straight series win against Chicago. They also take the season series 12-6.
An RBI single by catcher A.J. Pierzynski gave the White Sox (81-68, 38-37 away) a 1-0 lead in the first inning. An error by Guthrie turned into another run for the White Sox, and an RBI by center fielder Dewayne Wise extended the lead to 3-0 in the second.
Royals catcher Sal Perez collected his Major League leading fifth pick-off in the fourth inning, after gunning down shortstop Alexei Ramirez at third base.
In the fifth, Royals second baseman Johnny Giavotella ripped a two-run RBI triple to deep left to cut the deficit to 3-2. Billy Butler tied the game at 3-3 with an RBI double to deep center in the sixth.
Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie (3.00 ERA) gave up three runs on eight hits in 6 innings, striking out four and walking one. White Sox lefty Francisco Liriano (5.24 ERA) gave up three runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings, fanning three and walking one.
Royals closer Greg Holland (7-4, 2.84 ERA) earned the win.
Luis Mendoza (7-9, 4.50 ERA) takes the mound against Cleveland Indians starter Justin Masterson (11-14, 4.93 ERA) for game one of three at Kauffman Stadium on Friday night.