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Cain, Royals take down White Sox

Sep 18, 2014 - 5:33 AM Kansas City, MO (SportsNetwork.com) - Lorenzo Cain collected three hits including a three-run home run, as Kansas City claimed a 6-2 decision over Chicago in the rubber match of a three-game series.

Alcides Escobar finished 2-for-4 with a solo shot and two runs scored for the Royals, who received a pair of hits and an RBI from Salvador Perez.

Yordano Ventura (13-10) limited the ChiSox to a run on three hits and two walks while fanning seven over seven innings as Kansas City pulled within a half-game of the AL Central lead. Detroit dropped an 8-4 decision at Minnesota and come to western Missouri to kick off a key three-game set beginning Friday.

Adam Eaton and Alexei Ramirez knocked in a run apiece for the White Sox, who have dropped three of four.

Chris Sale (12-4) was charged with five runs on nine hits despite six strikeouts over five full frames.

"It just shows he's human. He'll bounce back. It's just that tonight wasn't his night," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said.

Eaton's sacrifice fly in the top of the third put the Sox on the board, but the Royals pounded Sale in the home half.

"You go into that game knowing if you're going to get him, you better get him early," Royals manager Ned Yost said.

Escobar and Norichika Aoki hit back-to-back singles ahead of Cain's three-run blast on an 0-2 pitch. Josh Willingham followed with a walk, and after Alex Gordon struck out, a long single from Perez brought him in for a 4-1 game.

Escobar added a solo shot in the fourth, and Kansas City extended its edge to 6-1 in the seventh.

Gordon walked, Perez singled and Maikel Cleto was pulled for Scott Snodgress, then a grounder from Eric Hosmer appeared to be a sure-fire double-play ball until a wild throw to first landed in the Royals' dugout, allowing Gordon to score.

Ramirez singled home Tyler Flowers against Wade Davis in the eighth, but Jose Abreu fanned with Ramirez on second to end the frame.

Greg Holland retired the side in order in the ninth.

Game Notes

Aoki set a new club record with 11 hits in a three-game series, going 11- for-13 in the completed set. Willie Wilson and George Brett held the previous mark of 10 ... Escobar's third-inning single was his 17th hit against Sale, the most he's given up against any other player ... Ventura has recorded 10 straight quality starts, extending his team record. His 21 total in 2014 passed Bob Johnson (1970).