Royals snap a 5-game skid with a 5-4 win over White Sox, delaying Chicago’s bid for a playoff berth

Kansas City's Miguel Garcia delivered three hits and three RBIs, including a vital double, as the Royals edged the White Sox 5-4 on Wednesday night, temporarily stalling Chicago's quest for a postseason spot. Chicago could have clinched their first playoff berth since 2021 with a victory over the Royals, provided the Texas team lost to the New York Mets.

However, Garcia and the Royals turned out to be the spoiler. Connor Thomas (2-1) struck out one batter and stifled the White Sox to one hit over two scoreless innings, earning the win. Steven Cruz added to the victory by striking out two in the ninth inning and securing his eighth save. Kansas City's early success came from a string of three singles, with Garcia driving in two runs with a single to right field.

Vinnie Pasquantino extended the Royals' lead with a double that scored Garcia, making it 4-0. Following the White Sox's opener Bryan Hudson, he managed just one out facing five batters and gave up four runs, three of which were unearned. In his final start of the season, Seth Lugo allowed four runs on seven hits and struck out three in 3 1/3 innings, ranking second in the American League in earned runs allowed with 99.

Carter Jensen contributed three singles in the Royals' lineup, which now stands at 68-90. The White Sox (81-77) are one game behind the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians (82-76), who lost 1-0 to Boston. With Chicago yet to name a starter for Thursday's series finale, the White Sox's next move remains uncertain. Randy Dobnak (3-4, 3.08 ERA) is set to take the mound for the Royals in their upcoming match.