White Sox 4, Royals 3
A.J. Pierzynski's two-run double capped a three-run eighth inning as the Chicago White Sox rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Friday night.
Pierzynski finished with a pair of hits, including his 28th double of the year that brought home Alex Rios and Brent Lillibridge, who pinch-ran for Manny Ramirez.
J.J. Putz earned the win with an inning of scoreless relief while Chris Sale came on in the ninth inning to earn his second save. The win moved the White Sox to within five games of Minnesota in the American League Central race after the Twins fell 2-0 to Cleveland.
Chicago starter Mark Buehrle gave up three runs on seven hits over seven innings of work. He struck out four and walked two.
Kansas City counterpart Bruce Chen went seven innings, allowing only Brent Morel’s first career home run. Chen gave up four hits while striking out four and walking one.
Robinson Tejada took the loss, allowing all three eighth-inning runs.
The Royals got two doubles and two RBIs from Willie Bloomquist. Catcher Brayan Pena had two hits and scored a run, but the Royals stranded seven runners.