KANSAS CITY — Maikel Garcia delivered a clutch performance with three hits and three RBIs, capped by a tiebreaking, run-scoring double in the seventh inning, lifting the Kansas City Royals to a 5-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday night.
The loss temporarily delayed Chicago’s path to the postseason. The White Sox (81-77) entered the night needing a win combined with a Texas loss to the New York Mets to secure their first playoff berth since 2021. Instead, the Royals (68-90) snapped a five-game skid behind a resilient team effort.
Kansas City jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the first inning, fueled by three consecutive singles and a pair of RBIs from Garcia, followed by run-scoring miscues and a double from Vinnie Pasquantino.
However, Chicago clawed back in the third frame. Sending 10 batters to the plate, the White Sox pounded out five hits—highlighted by a two-run single from Kyle Teel and RBI hits from Miguel Vargas and Munetaka Murakami—to knot the game at 4-4.
The score remained deadlocked until the seventh inning when Garcia broke through against Chicago reliever Hagen Smith (3-3), driving home the decisive run.
Out of the bullpen, Connor Thomas (2-1) earned the win after tossing two scoreless innings, while Steven Cruz struck out two in the ninth to pick up his eighth save of the season.
With the defeat, the White Sox remain one game behind the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians, who fell 1-0 to Boston.
Up Next
The series concludes Thursday night with the White Sox sending right-hander Savid Sandlin (2-2, 6.29 ERA) to the mound for his start. The Royals will counter with right-hander Randy Dobnak (3-4, 3.08 ERA).
