Royals 6, White Sox 2: Offense sputters again as Kauffman losing streak extends to 13 games

While playing AL Central opponents 15 times in their next 18 games, it seemed like a good opportunity to see if the much-improved Chicago White Sox post All-Star break were for real. After another loss at Kauffman Stadium, the White Sox are 2-6 during this stretch, and now a woeful 9-26 against division opponents. What cursed them tonight was the inability to find that key two-out hit with runners in scoring position. 

First Inning

The White Sox were cooking early against Kansas City starter Michael Lorenzen. Mike Tauchman started the game with a walk, and Lenyn Sosa followed with a single to center field. With no outs, both Tauchman and Sosa were left stranded as Colson Montgomery struck out, and Luis Robert Jr. grounded into a 6-4-3 double play. 

Third Inning

Brooks Baldwin hit a deep fly down the right field line that was the right size, but wrong shape, as it landed in foul territory. But he did manage to single in center field and advanced when Sosa drew a rare walk. With runners again on first and second base, Montgomery struck out a second time to end the threat. 

Fourth Inning

With two outs, the White Sox started a rally when Miguel Vargas' line drive landed for a single after clipping shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.'s glove. Next was Kyle Teel, and he took a pitch to the right shin. Again, with runners on first and second with two outs, this time it was Chase Meidroth's turn to pull through. Instead, he struck out looking. 

Eighth Inning

Four innings later, the White Sox started another two-out rally when Montgomery earned himself a hustle double. Next was Robert, and he drew a tough walk, setting the stage for Andrew Benintendi. On a first pitch four-seamer, Benintendi drove that pitch through the center and right field gap. His 14th double of the season drove in both Montgomery and Robert for the White Sox only runs scored. The White Sox went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position. 

On the pitching front, Sean Burke was so-so. He gave up a leadoff home run to Mike Yastrzemski in the first inning. Then, with runners on, Burke had his fourth error of the season when he threw a potential double play opportunity to center field. That scored a run, and in the third inning, Burke gave up another dinger, this time to John Rave. Burke only threw 85 pitches and lasted 3⅔ innings. Tonight's loss is his 10th of the season.

Game Notes

• Mike Vasil pitched two scoreless innings in relief. His season ERA drops to 2.46.
• Lenyn Sosa went 1-for-3 with a walk.
• White Sox pitchers did a pretty good job against Bobby Witt Jr. tonight as he went 1-for-4 with three strikeouts.
• White Sox have to finish 37-2 to avoid another losing record.

Record: 44-79 | Box Score