Alex Gordon homered and Jorge Bonifacio had a go-ahead RBI single in the decisive sixth inning, and the Kansas City Royals rallied past the Chicago White Sox 3-1 on Saturday night.
Rookie Brad Keller pitched five solid innings for the Royals, who won for the third time in their past nine games. The White Sox had their win streak stopped at three.
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Alex Gordon homered and Jorge Bonifacio had a go-ahead RBI single in the decisive sixth inning, and the Kansas City Royals rallied past the Chicago White Sox 3-1 on Saturday night.
The White Sox had five hits combined in the fourth and fifth innings but were unable to score.
After Whit Merrifield opened the game with a single, Covey didn't allow another hit until Gordon homered with one out in the sixth. One out later, Lucas Duda doubled and scored on Bonifacio's single to left field.
NEWBIE IN THE HOUSE
TRAINER'S ROOM
UP NEXT
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Nicky Delmonico homered in the second inning off Keller (6-5), driving a changeup over the right-center field fence. That was the only blemish against Keller, who allowed seven hits, struck out five and walked none.
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brad Keller throws against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, in Chicago. (AP PhotoNam Y. Huh)
The White Sox had five hits combined in the fourth and fifth innings but were unable to score.
Dylan Covey (4-10) returned to the form he had displayed the first 2½ months of the season but remained winless in five starts since July 21. The right-hander allowed two runs on four hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings.
Covey entered the game with a 1-8 record and 8.94 ERA in his last 10 starts. He was 0-5 with a 6.34 ERA versus Kansas City in his career.
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Dylan Covey throws against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, in Chicago. (AP PhotoNam Y. Huh)
After Whit Merrifield opened the game with a single, Covey didn't allow another hit until Gordon homered with one out in the sixth. One out later, Lucas Duda doubled and scored on Bonifacio's single to left field.
Alcides Escobar provided an insurance run with a two-out RBI single off Juan Minaya in the ninth.
Five Royals relievers combined for four scoreless innings. The last, Wily Peralta, worked a perfect ninth for his eighth save in as many tries.
Kansas City Royals' Jorge Bonifacio hits a one-run single against the Chicago White Sox during the sixth inning of a baseball game Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, in Chicago. (AP PhotoNam Y. Huh)
NEWBIE IN THE HOUSE
Kansas City promoted RHP Jake Newberry from Omaha and optioned RHP Jason Adam to the Triple-A club. The 37th-round draft pick from 2012 is in line to become the lowest-round selection to debut for the team since OF Jarrod Dyson (50th, 2010).
RHP Blaine Boyer cleared waivers and became a free agent. The veteran has a 12.05 ERA in 21 relief appearances.
Kansas City Royals' Alex Gordon, right, celebrates with third base coach Mike Jirschele after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, in Chicago. (AP PhotoNam Y. Huh)
TRAINER'S ROOM
Royals: OF Brett Phillips (lower-body fatigue) returned to the lineup after a two-game absence.
White Sox: OF Avisail Garcia will try to work through a balky right knee that's likely to require surgery after the season. "He's just going to have to deal with it and continue to move forward. And I think he'll be able to," Manager Rick Renteria said. ... RHP Nate Jones (strained right arm) "is throwing the ball well and feeling good," Renteria said, but there still is no timetable for his return. His last appearance came on June 12.
Kansas City Royals' Alex Gordon watches his solo home run as he rounds the bases against the Chicago White Sox during the sixth inning of a baseball game Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, in Chicago. (AP PhotoNam Y. Huh)
UP NEXT
Royals: Rookie RHP Heath Fillmyer (1-1, 3.61 ERA) will close out the series Sunday.
White Sox: RHP Reynaldo Lopez (4-9, 4.40) will take a 1.93 ERA in his last two home starts into the finale. He didn't figure in either decision.
Kansas City Royals closer Wily Peralta, right, celebrates with catcher Salvador Perez after the Royals defeated the Chicago White Sox 3-1 in a baseball game Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, in Chicago. (AP PhotoNam Y. Huh)
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Kansas City Royals closer Wily Peralta, left, celebrates with Alex Gordon after the Royals defeated the Chicago White Sox 3-1 in a baseball game Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, in Chicago. (AP PhotoNam Y. Huh)