White Sox 2, Royals 0
John Danks tossed eight strong innings for his first victory in seven weeks as visiting Chicago extended its winning streak to four games.
Gordon Beckham homered and Danks (3-10) scattered seven hits to halt a five-game skid and earn his first win since July 2. The left-hander threw 71 of his 100 pitches for strikes to improve to 6-0 lifetime against Kansas City.
Avisail García had three of Chicago's five hits and Paul Konerko doubled and scored on a passed ball as the White Sox handed the Royals their third straight defeat. Kansas City remained 6 1/2 games behind Oakland for the second wild-card spot in the American League.
Ervin Santana (8-7) went six innings, giving up two runs - one earned - on four hits to absorb his first loss since July 11. Eric Hosmer and Chris Getz had two hits apiece for Kansas City, which lost for the sixth time in eight games.
Beckham provided the only run Danks would need with a one-out homer in the first, his fourth of the season. Addison Reed worked around a leadoff single in the ninth to notch his 32nd save.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Konerko's second-inning double was only his eighth hit in 39 at-bats versus Santana. ... Royals 3B Mike Moustakas (calf) sat out for the seventh time in eight games but is expected to return to the starting lineup Wednesday. ... The Royals optioned LHP Will Smith to Triple-A Omaha to open a slot for RF Justin Maxwell's return from the bereavement list.