Royals cap four-game sweep of White Sox

[July 19, 2019]    Jorge Soler's two-run home run keyed a five-run third inning as the Kansas City Royals defeated the visiting Chicago White Sox 6-5 Thursday to complete a four-game sweep.

Royals starting pitcher Brad Keller (56) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken/USA TODAY Sports

The Royals' only previous sweep this year was a three-game set against the visiting Cleveland Indians from April 12-14. Kansas City recorded its first four-game sweep of the White Sox since 1994.

Five Kansas City players had multiple hits, including Cheslor Cuthbert with a single, a double and a homer. However, Whit Merrifield saw his 15-game hitting streak end.

The White Sox's offensive struggles continued. Chicago finished the series 4-for-30 with runners in scoring position, leaving the potential tying and go-ahead runs on base in the ninth inning Thursday.

Kansas City starter Brad Keller (6-9) battled his way through the mid-90s heat, lasting 6 1/3 innings. He gave up four runs (two earned) on nine hits and two walks with seven strikeouts.

Tim Hill pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings, and Ian Kennedy picked up his 16th save in 19 chances despite allowing a run in the ninth.

Chicago starter Ross Detwiler (1-1) gave up five runs on eight hits in 2 1/3 innings. He fanned one and walked one.

The White Sox scored two unearned runs in the first. Leury Garcia led off the inning with an infield single to short, and Yoan Moncada followed with a bunt hit. After a passed ball, Jose Abreu hit a ball off the glove of first baseman Cuthbert, scoring Garcia. Welington Castillo's double-play grounder brought home Moncada.

The White Sox used a more mainstream approach in the third when Moncada launched a solo home run into the seats in left.

The Royals answered with five runs in their half of the third. Cuthbert led off with a 411-foot blast to left. Hunter Dozier singled up the middle, and Soler tied the game with an opposite-field home run that curled around the right field foul pole.

After two singles and a sacrifice bunt chased Detwiler, a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases with one out. Billy Hamilton rolled a single through the right side of the infield to drive in two runs.

Kansas City's Bubba Startling led off the fifth inning with his first career extra-base hit, a double just inside the first base line. He moved to third on a sacrifice bunt and scored on catcher Cam Gallagher's bunt single.

The White Sox got single runs in the sixth and the ninth innings.

--Field Level Media

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