The White Sox had plenty of offense and the Royals had barely any, as Chicago topped Kansas City 9-0 on the South Side Monday night. Starting pitcher Jose Contreras and two relievers combined for a one-hit shut out to give the White Sox their seventh win in eight tries. Meanwhile the Royals early season losing streak extended to eight games.
Paul Konerko and Westphalia, Missouri native, Joe Crede, got things going with a couple of home runs off Royals starter Joe Mays in the first inning. Konerko blasted a one-out, three-run homer and Crede hit a two-out, two-run homer to give Chicago a 5-0 lead. Konerko went on to double in another run in the sixth inning to finish with a game-high four RBI’s.
The Royals only base hit came in the fourth inning when Mark Grudzielanek doubled with one out. Mike Sweeney grounded out and Reggie Sanders struck out to end the inning. John Buck drew a walk in the sixth to account for the Royals only other base runner of the night.
Contreras lasted seven innings, struck out six and walked one. Relievers Boone Logan and Cliff Politte, a St. Louis native, both pitched an inning of perfect relief. Politte put the Royals down in the ninth with just four pitches.
The Royals dropped to 2-10 and have the worst record in baseball.
