Chicago White Sox’s Mixed Results in Series Against Kansas City Royals
The Chicago White Sox closed out their homestand with a disappointing 5-4 loss to the Kansas City Royals, attracting 27,301 fans at Rate Field. Despite the setback, the Sox claimed two out of three games in the series, marking their record 10th straight home series win. With this loss and Cleveland’s win over Seattle, the Sox and Cleveland Guardians are tied at the top of the American League Central with records of 43-39 and 44-40, respectively.
Anthony Kay’s Struggles
White Sox starting pitcher Anthony Kay faced difficulties in the loss. Kay conceded five runs, four of which were earned, across 3 2/3 innings. He allowed seven hits, struck out two, and walked one. Kay admitted his issues with staying ahead in the count, allowing the Royals opportunities to capitalize. “I wasn’t getting ahead and failed to establish leverage,” Kay said. Pitching from behind, he noted, is a tough position.
Vargas provided a brief lead for the Sox with a two-run homer, his second hit of the game. “Vargas continues to make sharp swing decisions,” manager Will Venable remarked, highlighting Vargas’ plate discipline.
The score shifted hands multiple times early in the contest. A fielding error by Colson Montgomery in the second inning allowed the Royals to move ahead 3-2. The Sox regained the lead with a two-run single by Kyle Teel in the second inning, but the Royals eventually took a 5-4 lead they would not relinquish.
The Sox struggled offensively, hitting 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position. “We had good at-bats early,” Venable noted, crediting the Royals’ bullpen for turning the tides.
Diverse Wins for White Sox
The White Sox’s two wins in the series differed greatly in nature. Jacob Gonzalez achieved his first-ever walk-off hit on Saturday with a single that secured a 2-1 victory. “It’s unbelievable,” Gonzalez commented, noting he never achieved a walk-off hit even as a child. This marked the Sox’s seventh walk-off win of the season, each by a different player.
Friday’s game saw the Sox dominate with a 22-1 victory, thanks largely to stellar performances from multiple players. Gonzalez, Vargas, and Tristan Peters each contributed significantly, driving in multiple runs. According to Elias Sports Bureau, since 1920, only once before have the Sox had three players recording five or more RBIs in a single game.
Transferring Home Success to the Road
The Sox wrapped up their homestand with a 4-2 record, winning both series against the Guardians and Royals. Venable expressed satisfaction with the team’s home performance, noting how well they played against divisional rivals. “We love playing at home and it’s been rewarding,” Vargas agreed, citing the fans’ energy as a boost.
Holding a 28-14 home record, the Sox seek to translate their success on the road, where they have struggled with a 15-25 record. The team will embark on a three-game series starting Monday in Baltimore. “The team thrived during this homestand,” Kay said, hoping for similar outcomes away from home.