Royals DH Kendrys Morales homered for his 1,000th career hit and drove in four runs,  backing Danny Duffy who pitched into the eighth inning as the Royals beat the Chicago White Sox, 10-3 Sunday at Kauffman Stadium.  The win pulled the Royals to within five games of the AL wild card with still five teams to jump over.

“I didn’t even know I had 999 hits,” Morales said through coach Pedro Grifol as his translator.

Morales got off to a slow start this season, hitting below .200 into June, but heated up as the summer went on.  He’s now up to .261 with 38 home runs and 85 RBI.

Duffy improved to 12-2 and picked up his first victory since Aug. 21. He struck out eight and gave up three runs.  “I trust my fastball and everything else plays off of it. That’s probably why I don’t try to nibble with it.”

Hosmer drove in three runs, giving him a career-best 95 RBI. Whit Merrifieldhad three hits and two RBI.  Alex Gordon ended an 0-for-21 drought with his 16th home run