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Aviles, Royals try to bounce back vs. White Sox

Jul 9, 2008 - 12:34 PM Chicago White Sox (51-38) at Kansas City (41-50) 8:10 p.m. EDT

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Ticker) -- Rookie Mike Aviles and the Kansas City Royals look to recover from a tough loss when they continue a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.

Aviles had a career-high four hits on Tuesday but it wasn't enough as Orlando Cabrera's RBI double in the top of the 13th inning doomed the Royals to an 8-7 setback - their sixth loss in eight games this month.

Despite Kansas City's futility, Aviles has logged two straight three-hit games to boost his batting average to .303. The 27-year-old shortstop went hitless in his first five games of July after a spectacular June in which he batted .330 with three home runs and 15 RBI.

Aviles looks to continue his recent surge against Javier Vazquez (7-7, 4.37 ERA), who takes the mound for the White Sox on Wednesday seeking his first win in three starts.

Vazquez was outstanding his last time out, allowing just three runs and four hits while striking out 10 in his first complete game of the season. However, the 31-year-old righthander suffered a hard-luck loss as Chicago dropped a 3-2 decision to the Oakland Athletics on Thursday.

Brian Bannister (7-8, 5.15) starts for the Royals and will look to build on his success at Kauffman Stadium. Bannister owns a dismal 8.14 ERA in eight road starts in 2008 but has posted a 5-3 record and 3.26 ERA in 10 outings here.