CHICAGO — Jonathan India delivered a pivotal double in a two-run seventh inning for the Kansas City Royals, striking a decisive blow against the Chicago White Sox in a 7-5 victory on Sunday, which helped the Royals dodge a series sweep.
Kansas City’s offense was fueled by two-run homers from Salvador Perez and Bobby Witt Jr., while Jac Caglianone showcased his potential by going 4 for 4 in what marked just his sixth game in the majors. Previously having lost three of their last four games, the Royals were eager to shift momentum.
Michael Lorenzen made a significant contribution from the mound, providing a solid six innings of work to clinch his first victory since late April. Having struggled in his last six starts with an 0-3 record and a 6.89 ERA, the right-hander was determined to turn things around.
For the White Sox, Miguel Vargas was a key player, homering and driving in three runs. While Chicago had come into this game on a three-win streak, matching their season’s best, their efforts fell short in the end. Despite this, Vargas managed to earn an RBI single in the ninth inning, bringing some excitement to the White Sox rally.
In a dramatic final inning, Edgar Quero contributed with an RBI single, but the moment of the game came when Bobby Witt Jr. robbed Austin Slater of a hit that would have scored with an impressive diving catch at shortstop. With bases loaded and two outs, Carlos Estévez shut down any hopes of a comeback by striking out Tim Elko for his 19th save.
In his major league debut, White Sox’s right-hander Mike Vasil pitched for 3 1/3 innings, conceding two runs and five hits. Meanwhile, Perez’s homer in the fourth tied the game at 2, but the Royals pushed ahead in the seventh with India’s timely hit bringing in pinch-runner Drew Waters, followed by Maikel Garcia’s RBI single.
Jonathan India returned once more in the ninth with a run-scoring single, adding further insurance to Kansas City’s lead. Tyler Alexander, recently signed by the White Sox, suffered the loss in his first outing for the team, allowing one run over three innings.
The Royals, ending with 16 hits despite being hindered by five double plays, managed to extend their lead as Witt solidified it with his eighth homer in the ninth inning off Bryse Wilson.
The outcome highlighted Jac Caglianone’s bounce-back performance, as he had gone 2 for 21 in his previous games with Kansas City.
Looking ahead, after a day of rest, the Royals will look to continue their form on Tuesday with Noah Cameron taking to the mound against the New York Yankees at home. As for the White Sox, Shane Smith is poised to pitch against the Houston Astros on Tuesday, aiming to put this loss behind them.