KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Eric Hosmer had three hits, including a home run, and drove in four runs as the Kansas City Royals rallied to defeat the Chicago White Sox 7-5 on Friday night.
Hosmer, who hit .120 (3 for 25) on the just concluded six-game trip, laced a two-run single with two outs in the seventh to put the Royals ahead. He homered in the sixth and drove in a run in the first inning with a groundout.
The White Sox used five pitchers in the Royals’ four-run seventh with Matt Albers (1-4) taking the loss. The inning included Brett Eibner’s double, his first major league hit, and Whit Merrifield’s two-run single.
Royals starter Danny Duffy retired the first 16 batters he faced on 59 pitches before giving up five runs on his next 17 pitches.
Avisail Garcia, Dioner Navarro and Austin Jackson hit consecutive singles with one out in the sixth to load the bases for Melky Cabrera, who cleared them with a first-pitch grand slam. It was his first grand slam since July 29, 2011, at Cleveland, while with the Royals.
Todd Frazier then took Duffy deep to left. He is tied for the American League lead with 15 home runs. It was the first time this season the White Sox have hit back-to-back home runs.
Peter Moylan (2-0) picked up the victory with a scoreless seventh. He is 6-0 since his last loss on Sept. 7, 2011, while with Atlanta. Wade Davis worked the ninth, striking out two, for his 13th save in 14 opportunities.
The Royals added a run in the eighth when Paulo Orlando, who extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a single, scored on Jarrod Dyson‘s sacrifice fly.
White Sox right-hander Miguel Gonzalez allowed three runs and eight hits in 6 1-3 innings.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Royals: DH Kendrys Morales was out of the lineup with a sprained right middle finger. . RHP Chris Young (right forearm strain) could come off the DL soon. He will be used as a reliever when he is activated after going 1-5 with a 6.68 ERA in seven starts.
MAKE UP DATE
The White Sox-Royals game that was rained out Thursday has been rescheduled for Sept. 19, an afternoon start at Kauffman Stadium.
ROTATION CHANGE
The White Sox have opted to start LHP Chris Sale on Sunday against the Royals, instead of holding him back for a Monday start against the New York Mets. Manager Robin Ventura acknowledged since it was a division game “does” play into the decision. LHP Carlos Quintana will start Monday at New York.
UP NEXT
White Sox: LHP Carlos Rodon will try to beat the Royals in consecutive starts. He held the Royals to two runs and eight hits over 6 2/3 innings on Sunday.
Royals: RHP Yordano Ventura is 3-0 with a 3.57 ERA in four home starts.
