Jordan Danks’ home run in the 11th pushed the Chicago White Sox to a 2-1 win over the Royals on Monday afternoon, spoiling a great start from James Shields who pitched his heart out for eight innings only to get a no-decision.

Billy Butler’s RBI hit scoring Salvador Perez off Sox starter Chris Sale in the first was the only run scored by both teams until the ninth.

Shields allowed just two hits and two walks while striking out nine in eight innings before turning the game over to Greg Holland.

He was all over the place and loaded the bases with no outs, but got Paul Konerko to tap the ball back to him starting a 1-2-3 double play. With two outs and runners on second and third, Alexi Ramirez hit a soft liner up the middle. Second baseman Chris Getz ran hard to his left and grabbed the ball. He had time, but hurried making the exchange from his glove to his hand and dropped the ball, allowing the tying run to score.

Then in the 11th, Danks hit a solo shot with two out off Kelvin Herrera (his sixth HR allowed this season), to avoid the three game sweep.

The win would have put the Royals eight games over .500 for the first time since September of 2003.

Share this: