Final
White Sox fall to Royals in Konerko's final game
Sep 29, 2014 - 3:19 AM Chicago, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Carlos Peguero's RBI single capped a three- run sixth inning, lifting the Kansas City Royals over Chicago, 6-4, in the final game for retiring White Sox captain Paul Konerko.The Royals, who had already secured their first playoff berth since 1985, entered Sunday's action a game behind Detroit in the AL Central. The Tigers, however, beat the Twins to win the division.
Kansas City (89-73) will host Oakland in the AL wild card game on Tuesday night. The A's beat the Rangers on Sunday.
"They're a good team but we've played them good," said Royals manager Ned Yost. "It's going to be an exciting game but we're ready to play it."
Konerko went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts on the final day of his 18-year big league career. He started the game by taking his familiar post at first base, then paid tribute to his wife and three children by writing their names in the infield dirt behind the bag. The slugger played five innings.
"This was a different thing for him. He's always been good about blocking things out because it's always been about the playing," said White Sox manager Robin Ventura. "It caught up to him because it was more (about) family, friends. There was more to it than just him trying to get a hit and helping us win. I think as much as he tried to block it out, a lot of it was emotional and tugged at his heartstrings."
The 38-year-old Konerko, who made six trips to the All-Star Game, played his final 16 seasons with the White Sox. He finished his career with a .279 average, 439 homers and 1,412 RBI.
Kansas City starter Yordano Ventura allowed four runs on eight hits while striking out six over four innings. Casey Coleman (1-0) tossed a scoreless fifth to pick up the win.
Chris Bassitt got the start for Chicago and gave up three runs on eight hits with five strikeouts over five-plus innings. Daniel Webb (6-5) took the loss after allowing two runs on three hits in the sixth.
The White Sox (73-89) finished fourth in the AL Central.
The Royals jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second. Billy Butler doubled, moved to third on Alex Gordon's double and scored on Salvador Perez's sacrifice fly. Two batters later, Mike Moustakas hit an RBI double to right.
The White Sox tied things up on Marcus Semien's two-run homer in the third.
Chicago tacked on two more runs in the fourth. Dayan Viciedo singled and raced home on Josh Phegley's double. The White Sox loaded the bases later in the inning for Semien, who walked to force in a run.
Kansas City took the lead with a three-run sixth. Raul Ibanez walked before Webb took over on the mound. After Johnny Giavotella singled, Christian Colon hit a two-run double to right. Peguero's RBI single made it 5-4 Royals.
The Royals added a run against Scott Carroll in the eighth with Giavotella scoring on a passed ball.
Louis Coleman pitched a scoreless ninth for his first save.
Game Notes
Kansas City won the season series, 13-6 ... Each team had 12 hits ... The Royals went 4-for-17 with runners in scoring position and stranded 11.
- KANSAS CITY: 6
CHICAGO: 4
Final
Sep 28 5:45 PM - Carlos Peguero walked. On the play, Christian Colon advances to third and Johnny Giavotella scored on a wild pitch with one out. Runners on first and third and and Terrance Gore due up.
Royals 6, White Sox 4 Top 8, 1 OutSep 28 5:14 PM - Carlos Peguero single to center scored Christian Colon with two outs. Runner on first and Jarrod Dyson due up.
Royals 5, White Sox 4 Top 6, 2 OutsSep 28 4:24 PM - Christian Colon double to right scored Raul Ibanez and Johnny Giavotella with one out. Runner on second and Jayson Nix due up.
Royals 4, White Sox 4 Top 6, 1 OutSep 28 4:22 PM - Marcus Semien bases loaded walk scored Carlos Sanchez with two outs. Bases loaded and Avisail Garcia due up.
Royals 2, White Sox 4 Bot 4, 2 OutsSep 28 3:38 PM - Josh Phegley double to left scored Dayan Viciedo with one out. Runner on second and Carlos Sanchez due up.
Royals 2, White Sox 3 Bot 4, 1 OutSep 28 3:27 PM - Marcus Semien one-out, two-run Home Run (6) to left scored Adam Eaton. Avisail Garcia due up.
Royals 2, White Sox 2 Bot 3, 1 OutSep 28 3:08 PM - Mike Moustakas double to right scored Alex Gordon with two outs. Runner on second and Alcides Escobar due up.
Royals 2, White Sox 0 Top 2, 2 OutsSep 28 2:39 PM - Salvador Perez sacrifice fly to center scored Billy Butler with one out. Runner on second and Omar Infante due up.
Royals 1, White Sox 0 Top 2, 1 OutSep 28 2:34 PM - KANSAS CITY: 0
CHICAGO: 0
Top 1, 0 Outs
Sep 28 2:12 PM
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