Johnny Cueto put together a quality start, but didn't the get the offensive backing (photo/MLB)

Johnny Cueto put together a quality start, but didn’t the get the offensive backing (photo/MLB)

Eric Hosmer and Kendrys Morales hit back-to-back homers and Johnny Cueto threw six quality innings, but the Royals lost to Jeff Samardzija and the Chicago White Sox 4-2. Toronto and Baltimore were rained out so the Royals drop 1.5 games behind the Blue Jays for the best record in the American League.

The Royals started the month 6.5 games ahead of Toronto for the best record, but have gone 10-17.  There are just five games to play.

Cueto has now lost three of his four September starts and gave up three runs and eight hits over six innings. He struck out two and walked two.  Edinson Volquez (13-9, 3.65 ERA) will be looking for his first win since Sept. 8 after losing two of his last three starts.

Ned Yost is not panicking and not ready to start tinkering with the lineup, but the Royals are certainly dragging as they inch towards the finish line.