The Royals lead in the American League Central is now down to one game after losing to the White Sox 4-3 in Chicago on Wednesday. The Royals trailed 4-0 going into the ninth inning, but Carlos Beltran made it interesting with a three-run home run, which cut the lead to one. But that’s as close as the Royals got. Desi Relaford ended the game on a called third strike with a runner on first base. Bartolo Colon was almost untouchable in eight innings of work, holding the Royals to just three hits, one walk, no runs and he struck out seven batters. Kansas City, which was swept by the White Sox at home last week, dropped two of three to Chicago. The White Sox have been on a tear since the All-Star Break, winning 15 of 20 games and cutting the Royals lead from seven games down to one. Kansas City and Chicago won’t square off again until September when seven of their last ten games will be against one another. The Royals came to terms with pitcher Kevin Appier on Wednesday afternoon, signing him to a contract through the end of the season. He’s 7-7 this season and will start against the Devil Rays on Friday night.
;
