KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Edwin Encarnacion hit a three-run homer, Dallas Keuchel threw five scoreless innings and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 8-2 on Sunday to complete a four-game sweep.

Keuchel (6-2) left the game with lower back stiffness after throwing a few warmup pitches before the sixth inning. He threw 49 pitches, allowed two hits and struck out two.

"He irritated it a little bit," White Sox manager Rick Renteria said. "It didn't make sense to keep him going. So we had to make the move there. Right now he's day to day. He's been managing it the whole season."

The AL Central-leading White Sox went ahead 5-0 in the seventh inning against reliever Josh Staumont. Encarnacion hit a 448-foot blast into the second deck of the fountains beyond the wall in left-center to score Yasmani Grandal and Jose Abreu, who had singled to extend his hitting streak to 20 games.

"He continues to chip away and that's what he does," Renteria said of Encarnacion. "He got a pitch he could handle and put it in the water. He's a professional. I don't have to worry about Edwin. He's going to continue to do what he does."

Royals starter Matt Harvey (0-3) was yanked after throwing 40 pitches. He went 2 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and one run.

"I thought Matt did what we needed him to do," Royals manager Mike Matheny said.

Tim Anderson had three hits for the White Sox.

Yolmer Sanchez, making his second start of the season, led off the third inning with a double to left-center and scored on a single by Grandal.

"It feels really good. When you have the opportunity when the guys need a day off, you have to do your best," Sanchez said. "I don't try to do too much. I think I had a really good plan today in the box."

With two outs in the sixth, Luis Robert walked and stole second, and Nomar Mazara doubled to the gap in left-center to put the White Sox ahead 2-0.

Edward Olivares hit his first home run as a Royal, a two-run blast into the left-field bullpen off Steve Cishek that got Kansas City within 5-2 in the seventh.

"Go out there and compete and that's my mindset," Olivares said.

Grandal, Encarnacion and Abreu drove in runs in the eighth for Chicago.

Royals: RHP Carlos Hernandez left the game with a stomach contusion after he was struck by Danny Mendick's line drive.

White Sox: After a day off Monday, Chicago begins a two-game series at Pittsburgh on Tuesday.

Royals: Begin a four-game series at Cleveland on Monday. RHP Brad Keller (3-1, 1.93 ERA) will face RHP Zach Plesac (2-1, 1.33), who allowed one run in six innings against the Royals in his last start.

Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Edwin Encarnacion hit a three-run homer, Dallas Keuchel threw five scoreless innings and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 8-2 on Sunday to complete a four-game sweep.Keuchel (6-2) left the game with lower back stiffness after throwing a few warmup pitches before the sixth inning. He threw 49 pitches, allowed two hits and struck out two."He irritated it a little bit," White Sox manager Rick Renteria said. "It didn't make sense to keep him going. So we had to make the move there. Right now he's day to day. He's been managing it the whole season."The AL Central-leading White Sox went ahead 5-0 in the seventh inning against reliever Josh Staumont. Encarnacion hit a 448-foot blast into the second deck of the fountains beyond the wall in left-center to score Yasmani Grandal and Jose Abreu, who had singled to extend his hitting streak to 20 games."He continues to chip away and that's what he does," Renteria said of Encarnacion. "He got a pitch he could handle and put it in the water. He's a professional. I don't have to worry about Edwin. He's going to continue to do what he does."Royals starter Matt Harvey (0-3) was yanked after throwing 40 pitches. He went 2 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and one run."I thought Matt did what we needed him to do," Royals manager Mike Matheny said.Tim Anderson had three hits for the White Sox.Yolmer Sanchez, making his second start of the season, led off the third inning with a double to left-center and scored on a single by Grandal."It feels really good. When you have the opportunity when the guys need a day off, you have to do your best," Sanchez said. "I don't try to do too much. I think I had a really good plan today in the box."With two outs in the sixth, Luis Robert walked and stole second, and Nomar Mazara doubled to the gap in left-center to put the White Sox ahead 2-0.Edward Olivares hit his first home run as a Royal, a two-run blast into the left-field bullpen off Steve Cishek that got Kansas City within 5-2 in the seventh."Go out there and compete and that's my mindset," Olivares said.Grandal, Encarnacion and Abreu drove in runs in the eighth for Chicago.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: RHP Carlos Hernandez left the game with a stomach contusion after he was struck by Danny Mendick's line drive.UP NEXTWhite Sox: After a day off Monday, Chicago begins a two-game series at Pittsburgh on Tuesday.Royals: Begin a four-game series at Cleveland on Monday. RHP Brad Keller (3-1, 1.93 ERA) will face RHP Zach Plesac (2-1, 1.33), who allowed one run in six innings against the Royals in his last start.

Kansas City swept by White Sox after 8-2 loss Sunday

CHICAGO -- Paul Goldschmidt's drive got up and just kept going, soaring out of a windy Wrigley Field on Sunday night.

When it landed, St. Louis was well on its way to another big win in Chicago.

Goldschmidt hit a three-run homer off a struggling Jon Lester, and the Cardinals gained ground in the NL Central race with a 7-3 victory over the Cubs.

St. Louis pulled within 1 1/2 games of Chicago with its third consecutive win over the division leaders, sweeping a doubleheader on Saturday after the Cubs won 4-1 in the series opener Friday night. The longtime rivals have one game left in their pandemic-shortened season series on Monday.

"We're always taking care of our business and we put our head down and we play regardless of where we are," manager Mike Shildt said. "I think we've proven that, and that's a good trait for a group."

Tommy Edman also homered for the Cardinals, and Harrison Bader had three hits. Dakota Hudson (2-2) worked five innings of three-run ball, shrugging off a shaky start.

Chicago dropped to 10-15 since its 13-3 start. Anthony Rizzo and Jason Kipnis homered for the Cubs, but Lester (2-2) lasted just 3 1/3 innings in another lackluster performance.

"Just giving too many runs, too many hits, too many baserunners," Lester said. "Too many of everything."

St. Louis went ahead to stay with four runs in the third. With one out and runners on first and second, Goldschmidt hit a massive drive to left that landed on Waveland Avenue for his fourth homer.

Tyler O'Neill singled with two out and scored on Rangel Ravelo's double, giving the Cardinals a 5-3 lead.

Paul DeJong, who had two hits and drove in a run, said St. Louis' lineup has been working well as a group.

"Top to bottom throwing up great at-bats. Everyone seems to be contributing," he said.

Lester allowed six hits, struck out four and walked two, extending his winless stretch to five starts. The 36-year-old left-hander is 0-1 with a 9.26 ERA during the slump, yielding 40 hits in 23 1/3 innings.

"You guys have seen the linescores, there's not much confidence behind that right there," Lester said. "The work we're putting in on the side in between starts, just obviously isn't translating into the starts."

The Cardinals added two more in the sixth, taking a 7-3 lead on RBI singles by Kolten Wong and DeJong. Wong is batting .393 (11 for 28) in his last seven games.

The teams observed a pregame moment of silence in honor of Hall of Fame outfielder Lou Brock, who died Sunday at age 81. Brock began his career with Chicago, but he was traded to St. Louis and helped the Cardinals win three pennants and two World Series titles in the 1960s.

The Cubs brought up Matt Dermody from their alternate training site in South Bend, Indiana, and the left-hander worked a perfect ninth. Right-hander Tyson Miller was sent down.

The team also announced right-hander Adbert Alzolay will start Thursday against Cincinnati.

Cardinals: Rookie LHP Kwang Hyun Kim (kidney) is back in St. Louis after spending time in a Chicago hospital with adominal soreness. "A little, as to be expected, tired, but not in a lot of discomfort or pain," Shildt said. Kim is expected to be evaluated Monday "and we'll see what he can do, if anything, baseball-related tomorrow," Shildt said. ... RHP Carlos Martinez remains on track to start Game 1 of St. Louis' doubleheader against Minnesota on Tuesday. Martinez is coming back after testing positive for the coronavirus.

Cubs: RF Jason Heyward departed after four innings because he was "not feeling well," according to the team. Manager David Ross said Heyward was taken to a hospital "to get tests and precautionary reasons." Ross said Heyward "felt a little lightheaded after the first at-bat, and just not being able to really breathe." ... LHP Jose Quintana (left lat inflammation) is feeling much better, according to Ross. Quintana was slated to begin a throwing program Sunday or Monday.

Right-handers Johan Oviedo (0-1, 4.30 ERA) and Kyle Hendricks (4-4, 3.78 ERA) start the series finale on Monday. Oviedo is looking for his first big league win in his fourth career start for St. Louis. Hendricks pitched six effective innings in Chicago's 8-2 victory at Pittsburgh in his previous start on Wednesday.

Associated PressCHICAGO -- Paul Goldschmidt's drive got up and just kept going, soaring out of a windy Wrigley Field on Sunday night.When it landed, St. Louis was well on its way to another big win in Chicago.Goldschmidt hit a three-run homer off a struggling Jon Lester, and the Cardinals gained ground in the NL Central race with a 7-3 victory over the Cubs.St. Louis pulled within 1 1/2 games of Chicago with its third consecutive win over the division leaders, sweeping a doubleheader on Saturday after the Cubs won 4-1 in the series opener Friday night. The longtime rivals have one game left in their pandemic-shortened season series on Monday."We're always taking care of our business and we put our head down and we play regardless of where we are," manager Mike Shildt said. "I think we've proven that, and that's a good trait for a group."Tommy Edman also homered for the Cardinals, and Harrison Bader had three hits. Dakota Hudson (2-2) worked five innings of three-run ball, shrugging off a shaky start.Chicago dropped to 10-15 since its 13-3 start. Anthony Rizzo and Jason Kipnis homered for the Cubs, but Lester (2-2) lasted just 3 1/3 innings in another lackluster performance."Just giving too many runs, too many hits, too many baserunners," Lester said. "Too many of everything."St. Louis went ahead to stay with four runs in the third. With one out and runners on first and second, Goldschmidt hit a massive drive to left that landed on Waveland Avenue for his fourth homer.Tyler O'Neill singled with two out and scored on Rangel Ravelo's double, giving the Cardinals a 5-3 lead.Paul DeJong, who had two hits and drove in a run, said St. Louis' lineup has been working well as a group."Top to bottom throwing up great at-bats. Everyone seems to be contributing," he said.Lester allowed six hits, struck out four and walked two, extending his winless stretch to five starts. The 36-year-old left-hander is 0-1 with a 9.26 ERA during the slump, yielding 40 hits in 23 1/3 innings."You guys have seen the linescores, there's not much confidence behind that right there," Lester said. "The work we're putting in on the side in between starts, just obviously isn't translating into the starts."The Cardinals added two more in the sixth, taking a 7-3 lead on RBI singles by Kolten Wong and DeJong. Wong is batting .393 (11 for 28) in his last seven games.IN MEMORYThe teams observed a pregame moment of silence in honor of Hall of Fame outfielder Lou Brock, who died Sunday at age 81. Brock began his career with Chicago, but he was traded to St. Louis and helped the Cardinals win three pennants and two World Series titles in the 1960s.WORTH NOTINGThe Cubs brought up Matt Dermody from their alternate training site in South Bend, Indiana, and the left-hander worked a perfect ninth. Right-hander Tyson Miller was sent down.The team also announced right-hander Adbert Alzolay will start Thursday against Cincinnati.TRAINER'S ROOMCardinals: Rookie LHP Kwang Hyun Kim (kidney) is back in St. Louis after spending time in a Chicago hospital with adominal soreness. "A little, as to be expected, tired, but not in a lot of discomfort or pain," Shildt said. Kim is expected to be evaluated Monday "and we'll see what he can do, if anything, baseball-related tomorrow," Shildt said. ... RHP Carlos Martinez remains on track to start Game 1 of St. Louis' doubleheader against Minnesota on Tuesday. Martinez is coming back after testing positive for the coronavirus.Cubs: RF Jason Heyward departed after four innings because he was "not feeling well," according to the team. Manager David Ross said Heyward was taken to a hospital "to get tests and precautionary reasons." Ross said Heyward "felt a little lightheaded after the first at-bat, and just not being able to really breathe." ... LHP Jose Quintana (left lat inflammation) is feeling much better, according to Ross. Quintana was slated to begin a throwing program Sunday or Monday.UP NEXTRight-handers Johan Oviedo (0-1, 4.30 ERA) and Kyle Hendricks (4-4, 3.78 ERA) start the series finale on Monday. Oviedo is looking for his first big league win in his fourth career start for St. Louis. Hendricks pitched six effective innings in Chicago's 8-2 victory at Pittsburgh in his previous start on Wednesday.

Goldschmidt homers as Cardinals beat Lester, Cubs 7-3

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Jose Abreu hit his 13th home run of the season in the first inning, Yasmani Grandal added a two-run shot, and the Chicago White Sox defeated the Kansas City Royals 5-3 Saturday night behind ace Lucas Giolito.

Abreu leads the majors with 40 RBI in 40 games and extended his hitting streak to 19 games. His 425-foot, two-run homer pushed him past Baltimore's Anthony Santander for the longest streak this season.

"He's our heart and soul," Giolito said. "It seems like he's getting that clutch hit almost every single game. Runners in scoring position, two outs, he gets the job done. What he provides for us on a daily basis, he does it all."

Giolito (4-2) allowed three runs on five hits in six-plus innings. He struck out nine, fanning five of the last seven batters he faced, and walked none. Alex Colome earned his ninth save in 10 tries.

"I really wanted to get through the seventh, or at least get one of those first two guys that I faced," Giolito said. "Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. The bullpen picked me up.

"It's kind of what we do. In a close game like that, if one side falls short, the other side is there to pick them up. That's what the team was able to do in spite of me not being able to get through seven."

The White Sox (25-15) are now 8-1 against the Royals this season.

Kris Bubic (0-5) took the loss, allowing five runs, two of them earned.

"Great outing. You take that fifth away, or we make a play that didn't get made in the fifth and that's a completely different ballgame," Royals manager Mike Matheny said. "But still, he gets through that first and really shows no chink in his armor. He just got better as he went."

An error by Maikel Franco in the top of the fifth led to three unearned runs. Bubic pitched a career-high seven innings and only allowed four hits, with four strikeouts and one walk.

The Royals drew within 2-1 on Bubba Starling's leadoff home run in the third, his first homer since Sept. 11, 2019 in Chicago against the White Sox.

Tim Anderson's RBI single drove in James McCann in the fifth, and Grandal followed with his homer.

Franco doubled home Ryan O'Hearn in the seventh to draw the Royals to within 5-2 and send Giolito to the clubhouse. Adalberto Mondesi's RBI single drove in Franco.

White Sox: Placed LHP Jace Fry on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Sept. 3, with back spasms.

Royals: DH Jorge Soler left the game after one at-bat in which he struck out swinging. The 2019 American League home run champion was removed with right oblique soreness. He came out of the game Wednesday and did not play Thursday with an oblique irritation. He was 0 for 5 Friday night. "I could see ... something wasn't right. Trainer made decision to take him out," Matheny said.

The White Sox purchased the contract of RHP Alex McRae from the Schaumburg training facility and transferred LHP Aaron Bummer to the 45-day injured list. Manager Rick Renteria said the move with Bummer did not signify a delay in his recovery. "He's on the same throwing program. He's playing catch."

The White Sox will send LHP Dallas Keuchel (5-2, 2.70 ERA) to the mound. He faced the Royals July 31 when he allowed two runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. He's 5-1 with a 2.67 ERA in 10 career starts against the Royals.

The Royals will send RHP Matt Harvey (0-2, 14.09 ERA) out for his fourth start. He has yet to get past the third inning in any of his three starts with Kansas City. He allowed two hits in 2/3 inning in his last appearance, against the White Sox, but didn't yield a run. He's 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA (16 2/3 innings) in three appearances (two starts) against the White Sox in his career.

Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Jose Abreu hit his 13th home run of the season in the first inning, Yasmani Grandal added a two-run shot, and the Chicago White Sox defeated the Kansas City Royals 5-3 Saturday night behind ace Lucas Giolito.Abreu leads the majors with 40 RBI in 40 games and extended his hitting streak to 19 games. His 425-foot, two-run homer pushed him past Baltimore's Anthony Santander for the longest streak this season."He's our heart and soul," Giolito said. "It seems like he's getting that clutch hit almost every single game. Runners in scoring position, two outs, he gets the job done. What he provides for us on a daily basis, he does it all."Giolito (4-2) allowed three runs on five hits in six-plus innings. He struck out nine, fanning five of the last seven batters he faced, and walked none. Alex Colome earned his ninth save in 10 tries."I really wanted to get through the seventh, or at least get one of those first two guys that I faced," Giolito said. "Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. The bullpen picked me up."It's kind of what we do. In a close game like that, if one side falls short, the other side is there to pick them up. That's what the team was able to do in spite of me not being able to get through seven."The White Sox (25-15) are now 8-1 against the Royals this season.Kris Bubic (0-5) took the loss, allowing five runs, two of them earned."Great outing. You take that fifth away, or we make a play that didn't get made in the fifth and that's a completely different ballgame," Royals manager Mike Matheny said. "But still, he gets through that first and really shows no chink in his armor. He just got better as he went."An error by Maikel Franco in the top of the fifth led to three unearned runs. Bubic pitched a career-high seven innings and only allowed four hits, with four strikeouts and one walk.The Royals drew within 2-1 on Bubba Starling's leadoff home run in the third, his first homer since Sept. 11, 2019 in Chicago against the White Sox.Tim Anderson's RBI single drove in James McCann in the fifth, and Grandal followed with his homer.Franco doubled home Ryan O'Hearn in the seventh to draw the Royals to within 5-2 and send Giolito to the clubhouse. Adalberto Mondesi's RBI single drove in Franco.TRAINER'S ROOMWhite Sox: Placed LHP Jace Fry on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Sept. 3, with back spasms.Royals: DH Jorge Soler left the game after one at-bat in which he struck out swinging. The 2019 American League home run champion was removed with right oblique soreness. He came out of the game Wednesday and did not play Thursday with an oblique irritation. He was 0 for 5 Friday night. "I could see ... something wasn't right. Trainer made decision to take him out," Matheny said.ROSTER MOVESThe White Sox purchased the contract of RHP Alex McRae from the Schaumburg training facility and transferred LHP Aaron Bummer to the 45-day injured list. Manager Rick Renteria said the move with Bummer did not signify a delay in his recovery. "He's on the same throwing program. He's playing catch."UP NEXTThe White Sox will send LHP Dallas Keuchel (5-2, 2.70 ERA) to the mound. He faced the Royals July 31 when he allowed two runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. He's 5-1 with a 2.67 ERA in 10 career starts against the Royals.The Royals will send RHP Matt Harvey (0-2, 14.09 ERA) out for his fourth start. He has yet to get past the third inning in any of his three starts with Kansas City. He allowed two hits in 2/3 inning in his last appearance, against the White Sox, but didn't yield a run. He's 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA (16 2/3 innings) in three appearances (two starts) against the White Sox in his career.

Royals losing skid reaches five with 5-3 loss to White Sox

CHICAGO -- Tyler O'Neill and Paul DeJong homered, five St. Louis pitchers combined on a three-hitter and the Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 5-1 Saturday night to sweep a doubleheader.

In the opener, Adam Wainwright pitched in the seventh and led the Cardinals to a 4-2 win.

St. Louis pulled within 2 1/2 games of the NL Central-leading Cubs.

Austin Gomber started the second game for the Cardinals and struck out five in 2 2/3 scoreless innings. Ryan Helsley (1-0) allowed one run on one hit in 1 1/3 innings of relief to get the win.

John Gant got four outs and Andrew Miller got the final three outs.

The Cardinals, batting last in the nightcap after an earlier postponement in St. Louis, jumped on top 3-0 in the second against Colin Rea (1-1). DeJong led off with a homer. Then following a walk, O'Neill hit a two-run homer.

Brad Miller made it 4-0 in the third with an RBI single. Harrison Bader had a sacrifice fly to score O'Neill in the fourth for a 5-0 lead.

Chicago got a run in the fifth on David Bote RBI groundout.

"It was a team win across the board," St. Louis manager Mike Shildt said. "Contributions from everyone. A lot of young guys really played well today."

Wainwright allowed two runs, struck out six and walked one while improving to 4-0 for the first time in his career. The 6-foot-7 right-hander tossed a four-hitter in a 7-2 victory over Cleveland on his 39th birthday in his previous start.

"I don't feel 39," he said. "I felt 39 when I was 34 or 35. When I go out on the mound, I feel good and ready to win."

DeJong drove in two runs for St. Louis, which had dropped two in a row. Kolten Wong had two hits and scored twice.

The Cubs had one last chance in the seventh, putting two runners on with two out, but Giovanny Gallegos struck out Anthony Rizzo to finish his third save.

Ian Happ homered twice, but the rest of the Cubs lineup came up empty. Happ started in center field after he missed the series opener with a right eye contusion. He was struck by a foul ball after it bounced off the plate on Thursday in Pittsburgh.

In the first game, Happ, batting left-handed, drove Wainwright's second pitch of the game down the line in right for a 1-0 Cubs lead.

It was Happ's major league-best fourth leadoff homer this season.

Aside from Happ, the Cubs just couldn't muster a big hit all day.

"It's not a lack of effort or concentration," manager David Ross said. "There's a positive in that we had that many baserunners. One ball falls here or there, or some bounce our way, or something like that, you might have a different day."

OF Steven Souza Jr. went 0 for 2 with two strikeouts, and then was designated for assignment before the second game of the doubleheader. Souza hit .148 (4 for 27) in 11 games with the Cubs this season.

Right-hander Tyson Miller was recalled from the team's alternate training site in South Bend, Indiana.

The Cubs also claimed infielder Ildemaro Vargas off waivers from Minnesota before the doubleheader opener. Vargas hasn't reported to the club yet.

St. Louis placed Kwang Hyun Kim on the 10-day injured list, a day after the left-hander was taken to a hospital with adominal soreness. Kim was diagnosed with a kidney ailment. He is expected to return to St. Louis on Sunday.

"Thankfully, it wasn't appendicitis, but there's something going on in his kidney," Shildt said. "He was in a fair amount of pain yesterday, but that pain has been able to be managed. He's feeling somewhat back to normal. He's not in as much discomfort as he was."

Kim is 2-0 with a save and a 0.83 ERA in five games this season. He was scheduled to start Sunday night.

Cardinals: Miller (shoulder fatigue) was activated from the injured list before Game 1.

Cubs left-hander Jon Lester (2-1, 5.11 ERA) starts the fourth game of the five-game series Sunday night, looking to bounce back from a rough stretch. He is 0-1 with an 8.55 ERA over his last four starts. Right-hander Dakota Hudson (1-2, 2.77 ERA), who originally was slated to start Game 2 on Saturday, will start for St. Louis.

Associated PressCHICAGO -- Tyler O'Neill and Paul DeJong homered, five St. Louis pitchers combined on a three-hitter and the Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 5-1 Saturday night to sweep a doubleheader.In the opener, Adam Wainwright pitched in the seventh and led the Cardinals to a 4-2 win.St. Louis pulled within 2 1/2 games of the NL Central-leading Cubs.Austin Gomber started the second game for the Cardinals and struck out five in 2 2/3 scoreless innings. Ryan Helsley (1-0) allowed one run on one hit in 1 1/3 innings of relief to get the win.John Gant got four outs and Andrew Miller got the final three outs.The Cardinals, batting last in the nightcap after an earlier postponement in St. Louis, jumped on top 3-0 in the second against Colin Rea (1-1). DeJong led off with a homer. Then following a walk, O'Neill hit a two-run homer.Brad Miller made it 4-0 in the third with an RBI single. Harrison Bader had a sacrifice fly to score O'Neill in the fourth for a 5-0 lead.Chicago got a run in the fifth on David Bote RBI groundout."It was a team win across the board," St. Louis manager Mike Shildt said. "Contributions from everyone. A lot of young guys really played well today."Wainwright allowed two runs, struck out six and walked one while improving to 4-0 for the first time in his career. The 6-foot-7 right-hander tossed a four-hitter in a 7-2 victory over Cleveland on his 39th birthday in his previous start."I don't feel 39," he said. "I felt 39 when I was 34 or 35. When I go out on the mound, I feel good and ready to win."DeJong drove in two runs for St. Louis, which had dropped two in a row. Kolten Wong had two hits and scored twice.The Cubs had one last chance in the seventh, putting two runners on with two out, but Giovanny Gallegos struck out Anthony Rizzo to finish his third save.Ian Happ homered twice, but the rest of the Cubs lineup came up empty. Happ started in center field after he missed the series opener with a right eye contusion. He was struck by a foul ball after it bounced off the plate on Thursday in Pittsburgh.In the first game, Happ, batting left-handed, drove Wainwright's second pitch of the game down the line in right for a 1-0 Cubs lead.It was Happ's major league-best fourth leadoff homer this season.Aside from Happ, the Cubs just couldn't muster a big hit all day."It's not a lack of effort or concentration," manager David Ross said. "There's a positive in that we had that many baserunners. One ball falls here or there, or some bounce our way, or something like that, you might have a different day."MAKING MOVESOF Steven Souza Jr. went 0 for 2 with two strikeouts, and then was designated for assignment before the second game of the doubleheader. Souza hit .148 (4 for 27) in 11 games with the Cubs this season.Right-hander Tyson Miller was recalled from the team's alternate training site in South Bend, Indiana.The Cubs also claimed infielder Ildemaro Vargas off waivers from Minnesota before the doubleheader opener. Vargas hasn't reported to the club yet.KIM PLACED ON ILSt. Louis placed Kwang Hyun Kim on the 10-day injured list, a day after the left-hander was taken to a hospital with adominal soreness. Kim was diagnosed with a kidney ailment. He is expected to return to St. Louis on Sunday."Thankfully, it wasn't appendicitis, but there's something going on in his kidney," Shildt said. "He was in a fair amount of pain yesterday, but that pain has been able to be managed. He's feeling somewhat back to normal. He's not in as much discomfort as he was."Kim is 2-0 with a save and a 0.83 ERA in five games this season. He was scheduled to start Sunday night.TRAINER'S ROOMCardinals: Miller (shoulder fatigue) was activated from the injured list before Game 1.UP NEXTCubs left-hander Jon Lester (2-1, 5.11 ERA) starts the fourth game of the five-game series Sunday night, looking to bounce back from a rough stretch. He is 0-1 with an 8.55 ERA over his last four starts. Right-hander Dakota Hudson (1-2, 2.77 ERA), who originally was slated to start Game 2 on Saturday, will start for St. Louis.

Cardinals sweep doubleheader at Chicago Saturday

CITY Lafayette 28 (1-1) Atchison (KS) 7 (0-1)

North Andrew 60 (2-0) Bishop LeBlond 20 (0-2)

North Kansas City 47 (2-0) Central 6 (1-1)

Plattsburg 51 (2-0) St. Joseph Christian 6 (0-2)

AREA MEC Savannah (0-1) @ Lathrop (0-1) Canceled

Maryville 42 (1-1) Harrisonville 40 (1-1)

Kirksville 27 (2-0) Chillicothe 21 (0-2)

Cameron 42 (2-0) Kansas City Southeast 0 (1-1)

St. Pius X 21 (2-0) St. Michael 13 (0-2)

KCI / GRC Mid-Buchanan 73 (2-0) Maysville 8 (1-1)

East Buchanan 35 (2-0) Trenton 0 (0-2)

Hamilton 32 OT (1-1)&nbsp; Gallatin 26 (1-1)

South Harrison 49 (1-1) West Platte 16 (1-1)

Lafayette County 38 (2-0) Lawson 0 (0-1)

8-MAN King City 50 (1-1) DeKalb 14 (0-2)

Pattonsburg 68 (2-0) Schuyler County 8 (1-1)

Worth County 54 (1-1) Doniphan West (KS) 42 (0-1)

Southwest Livingston 76 (2-0) South Holt/Nodaway Holt 38 (1-1)

East Atchison 62 (1-1) North-West Nodaway 12 (1-1)

Platte Valley 40 (1-1) Rock Port 36 (1-1)

Mound City 52 (2-0) Stewartsville 0 (1-1)

WEEK 2CITY Lafayette 28 (1-1) Atchison (KS) 7 (0-1)Pleasant Hill 42 (1-1) Benton 6 (0-2)North Andrew 60 (2-0) Bishop LeBlond 20 (0-2)North Kansas City 47 (2-0) Central 6 (1-1) Plattsburg 51 (2-0) St. Joseph Christian 6 (0-2)AREA MEC Savannah (0-1) @ Lathrop (0-1) CanceledMaryville 42 (1-1) Harrisonville 40 (1-1)Kirksville 27 (2-0) Chillicothe 21 (0-2)Cameron 42 (2-0) Kansas City Southeast 0 (1-1)St. Pius X 21 (2-0) St. Michael 13 (0-2)KCI / GRC Mid-Buchanan 73 (2-0) Maysville 8 (1-1)East Buchanan 35 (2-0) Trenton 0 (0-2)Hamilton 32 OT (1-1)&nbsp; Gallatin 26 (1-1)South Harrison 49 (1-1) West Platte 16 (1-1)Lafayette County 38 (2-0) Lawson 0 (0-1)Slater 15 (1-0) Polo 14 (0-2)Princeton 38 (1-1) Midway 19 (0-2)Milan 57 (2-0) Harrisburg 32 (1-1)8-MAN King City 50 (1-1) DeKalb 14 (0-2)Stanberry 38 (2-0) Albany 34 (0-1)Pattonsburg 68 (2-0) Schuyler County 8 (1-1)Worth County 54 (1-1) Doniphan West (KS) 42 (0-1)Southwest Livingston 76 (2-0) South Holt/Nodaway Holt 38 (1-1)East Atchison 62 (1-1) North-West Nodaway 12 (1-1)Platte Valley 40 (1-1) Rock Port 36 (1-1)Mound City 52 (2-0) Stewartsville 0 (1-1)

Area High School Football Scores - Friday, September 4

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Jose Abreu extended his hitting streak to 18 games with a two-run double, Eloy Jimenez had three hits and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 7-4 Friday night.

Abreu matched Baltimore's Anthony Santander for the longest hitting streak in the majors this season.

Codi Heuer (2-0) relieved starter Dane Dunning in the fifth and go the win with 1 1/3 innings of relief. Alex Colome earned his eighth save in nine tries.

The White Sox (24-15) took a half-game lead on the Indians and Twins in the AL Central. The Indians lost to the Brewers and the Twins swept a doubleheader from the Tigers.

Brady Singer (1-4) allowed five runs and 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings.

The White Sox got a run in the first on a sacrifice fly by Edwin Encarnacion.

The first pitch of the bottom of the first saw the end of a couple of streaks. Whit Merrifield singled off Dunning, snapping an 0-for-17 streak for Merrifield. It also snapped a streak for Dunning, who threw five hitless innings in his last start, also against the Royals.

Nick Madrigal drove in another run in the second inning with a single, but Chicago left the bases loaded.

Adalberto Mondesi scored Alex Gordon with a two-out single in the second to draw the Royals within a run. It snapped an 0-for-22 streak for Mondesi. Mondesi finished with three hits.

Chicago got another run in the fourth on singles by Nomar Mazara and Madrigal and a sacrifice fly by Tim Anderson.

The Royals tied it in the fourth but left the bases loaded. An RBI fielder's choice by Edward Olivares and another RBI single by Mondesi knotted the game at 3-3. But Merrifield popped up and Hunter Dozier grounded out with the bases loaded to end the inning.

The White Sox got another run in the fifth on a wild pitch by Singer.

Abreu's double drove in two in the sixth, and Jimenez got an RBI in the seventh.

The Royals scored one in the ninth, but Ryan McBroom grounded out as the tying run.

Royals DH Jorge Soler was back in the lineup after coming out of Wednesday's game and missing Thursday's game with oblique irritation.

The White Sox will send RHP Lucas Giolito (3-2, 3.14 ERA) to the mound. After no-hitting the Pirates, Giolito battled through five innings in his last start Monday against the Twins. Giolito has 34 strikeouts, three walks and seven hits allowed in his past three starts.

LHP Kris Bubic (0-4, 5.46 ERA) will get the start for the Royals. Bubic delivered what manager Mike Matheny called his best outing of the season last Sunday against the White Sox. He went 5 1/3 innings and gave up six hits and two runs while striking out a career-high eight.

Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Jose Abreu extended his hitting streak to 18 games with a two-run double, Eloy Jimenez had three hits and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 7-4 Friday night.Abreu matched Baltimore's Anthony Santander for the longest hitting streak in the majors this season.Codi Heuer (2-0) relieved starter Dane Dunning in the fifth and go the win with 1 1/3 innings of relief. Alex Colome earned his eighth save in nine tries.The White Sox (24-15) took a half-game lead on the Indians and Twins in the AL Central. The Indians lost to the Brewers and the Twins swept a doubleheader from the Tigers.Brady Singer (1-4) allowed five runs and 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings.The White Sox got a run in the first on a sacrifice fly by Edwin Encarnacion.The first pitch of the bottom of the first saw the end of a couple of streaks. Whit Merrifield singled off Dunning, snapping an 0-for-17 streak for Merrifield. It also snapped a streak for Dunning, who threw five hitless innings in his last start, also against the Royals.Nick Madrigal drove in another run in the second inning with a single, but Chicago left the bases loaded.Adalberto Mondesi scored Alex Gordon with a two-out single in the second to draw the Royals within a run. It snapped an 0-for-22 streak for Mondesi. Mondesi finished with three hits.Chicago got another run in the fourth on singles by Nomar Mazara and Madrigal and a sacrifice fly by Tim Anderson.The Royals tied it in the fourth but left the bases loaded. An RBI fielder's choice by Edward Olivares and another RBI single by Mondesi knotted the game at 3-3. But Merrifield popped up and Hunter Dozier grounded out with the bases loaded to end the inning.The White Sox got another run in the fifth on a wild pitch by Singer.Abreu's double drove in two in the sixth, and Jimenez got an RBI in the seventh.The Royals scored one in the ninth, but Ryan McBroom grounded out as the tying run.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals DH Jorge Soler was back in the lineup after coming out of Wednesday's game and missing Thursday's game with oblique irritation.UP NEXTThe White Sox will send RHP Lucas Giolito (3-2, 3.14 ERA) to the mound. After no-hitting the Pirates, Giolito battled through five innings in his last start Monday against the Twins. Giolito has 34 strikeouts, three walks and seven hits allowed in his past three starts.LHP Kris Bubic (0-4, 5.46 ERA) will get the start for the Royals. Bubic delivered what manager Mike Matheny called his best outing of the season last Sunday against the White Sox. He went 5 1/3 innings and gave up six hits and two runs while striking out a career-high eight.

Royals fall to White Sox 7-4 for fourth straight loss

CHICAGO -- Yu Darvish pitched seven dazzling innings in his seventh consecutive win, and the Chicago Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-1 on Friday night in the opener of a big five-game series.

Led by Darvish and Willson Contreras, Chicago won for the fourth time in five games and strengthened its grip on the top spot in the NL Central. St. Louis dropped into a virtual tie with Milwaukee for second, 4 1/2 games back of the Cubs.

Contreras had three hits and four RBI, including a leadoff drive in the sixth for his fifth homer. He also had a big two-run single on the ninth pitch of his at-bat against Jack Flaherty in the first.

Darvish (7-1) was working on a perfect game before Matt Carpenter opened the sixth with his second homer, a drive to the basket in right-center on the ninth pitch of the at-bat. The Japanese right-hander then retired his last six batters, striking out three more to give him 11 on the night.

With less than a month left in the pandemic-delayed season, the 34-year-old Darvish looks like a leading candidate for what would be his first Cy Young Award. He improved to 11-5 with a 2.26 ERA in his last 21 starts dating to last season, with 181 strikeouts and just 15 walks.

Rowan Wick worked the eighth, and Jeremy Jeffress finished the two-hitter for his fifth save.

Flaherty (2-1) got off to a tough start and never quite recovered, allowing four hits and walking two in 2 2/3 innings.

Chicago forced the ace right-hander to throw 43 pitches in the first. Jason Heyward's eight-pitch walk with two outs loaded the bases for Contreras, who drove in Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo with a single to center.

Contreras added another two-out RBI single in the third, making it 3-0 and chasing Flaherty.

Cardinals: C Matt Wieters (broken toe) was activated from the 10-day injured list. C Andrew Knizner was optioned to the team's alternate training site. ... LHP Andrew Miller (shoulder fatigue) is with the team in Chicago, and manager Mike Shildt said he could come off the IL on Saturday.

Cubs: OF Ian Happ was out of the starting lineup one day after he was hit in the face by a ball after it bounced off the plate. Happ, who is day to day with a right eye contusion, saw a doctor Friday morning. "With all the eye tests he's had and stuff put in his eye ... I just think it's best if we give it a little bit more time," manager David Ross said.

The Cards and Cubs play their third doubleheader of the season on Saturday. Right-handers Adam Wainwright (3-0, 2.65 ERA) and Dakota Hudson (1-2, 2.77 ERA) pitch for St. Louis. The Cubs will go with right-hander Adbert Alzolay (0-0, 0.00 ERA) in Game 1, and then a bullpen day for the second game.

Associated PressCHICAGO -- Yu Darvish pitched seven dazzling innings in his seventh consecutive win, and the Chicago Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-1 on Friday night in the opener of a big five-game series.Led by Darvish and Willson Contreras, Chicago won for the fourth time in five games and strengthened its grip on the top spot in the NL Central. St. Louis dropped into a virtual tie with Milwaukee for second, 4 1/2 games back of the Cubs.Contreras had three hits and four RBI, including a leadoff drive in the sixth for his fifth homer. He also had a big two-run single on the ninth pitch of his at-bat against Jack Flaherty in the first.Darvish (7-1) was working on a perfect game before Matt Carpenter opened the sixth with his second homer, a drive to the basket in right-center on the ninth pitch of the at-bat. The Japanese right-hander then retired his last six batters, striking out three more to give him 11 on the night.With less than a month left in the pandemic-delayed season, the 34-year-old Darvish looks like a leading candidate for what would be his first Cy Young Award. He improved to 11-5 with a 2.26 ERA in his last 21 starts dating to last season, with 181 strikeouts and just 15 walks.Rowan Wick worked the eighth, and Jeremy Jeffress finished the two-hitter for his fifth save.Flaherty (2-1) got off to a tough start and never quite recovered, allowing four hits and walking two in 2 2/3 innings.Chicago forced the ace right-hander to throw 43 pitches in the first. Jason Heyward's eight-pitch walk with two outs loaded the bases for Contreras, who drove in Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo with a single to center.Contreras added another two-out RBI single in the third, making it 3-0 and chasing Flaherty.TRAINER'S ROOMCardinals: C Matt Wieters (broken toe) was activated from the 10-day injured list. C Andrew Knizner was optioned to the team's alternate training site. ... LHP Andrew Miller (shoulder fatigue) is with the team in Chicago, and manager Mike Shildt said he could come off the IL on Saturday.Cubs: OF Ian Happ was out of the starting lineup one day after he was hit in the face by a ball after it bounced off the plate. Happ, who is day to day with a right eye contusion, saw a doctor Friday morning. "With all the eye tests he's had and stuff put in his eye ... I just think it's best if we give it a little bit more time," manager David Ross said.UP NEXTThe Cards and Cubs play their third doubleheader of the season on Saturday. Right-handers Adam Wainwright (3-0, 2.65 ERA) and Dakota Hudson (1-2, 2.77 ERA) pitch for St. Louis. The Cubs will go with right-hander Adbert Alzolay (0-0, 0.00 ERA) in Game 1, and then a bullpen day for the second game.

Cardinals lose series opener at Chicago 4-1

The Big 12 Conference today announced its football game cancellation thresholds.  The minimum number of players required to play a game has been set at 53.  The number is based on the entire roster, including all scholarship and walk-on players. 

Additional minimum thresholds of available players were also established for offensive linemen (7), interior defensive linemen (4) and quarterback (1).  Teams falling below any of these benchmarks, based on game week test results, could still elect to play as scheduled if so desired.  Otherwise, upon approval by the Commissioner, the game would be declared a no-contest if it cannot be moved to a later date.

The Conference’s “9+1” 2020 schedule features a full round-robin among Big 12 teams, plus one non-conference game.  The schedule provides each team with two bye dates, plus the option to move the Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship back one week to December 19 if needed.  Open dates will be used for rescheduling games in the event a team does not have enough players to compete. 

The non-conference portion of the Big 12 schedule kicks off next weekend, with Conference play beginning September 26th. 

The Big 12 Conference today announced its football game cancellation thresholds. The minimum number of players required to play a game has been set at 53. The number is based on the entire roster, including all scholarship and walk-on players. Additional minimum thresholds of available players were also established for offensive linemen (7), interior defensive linemen (4) and quarterback (1). Teams falling below any of these benchmarks, based on game week test results, could still elect to play as scheduled if so desired. Otherwise, upon approval by the Commissioner, the game would be declared a no-contest if it cannot be moved to a later date.The Conference’s “9+1” 2020 schedule features a full round-robin among Big 12 teams, plus one non-conference game. The schedule provides each team with two bye dates, plus the option to move the Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship back one week to December 19 if needed. Open dates will be used for rescheduling games in the event a team does not have enough players to compete. The non-conference portion of the Big 12 schedule kicks off next weekend, with Conference play beginning September 26th. --- Big 12 Press Release ---

Big 12 establishes football game cancellation thresholds

CITY Benton (0-1) vs. Pleasant Hill (0-1) Bishop LeBlond (0-1) vs. North Andrew (1-0) Central (1-0) @ North Kansas City (1-0) Lafayette (0-1) vs. Atchison (KS) (0-0) St. Joseph Christian (0-1) @ Plattsburg (1-0)

AREA MEC Savannah (0-1) @ Lathrop (0-1) Canceled Maryville (0-1) vs. Harrisonville (1-0) Chillicothe (0-1) @ Kirksville (1-0) Cameron (1-0) @ Kansas City Southeast (1-0) St. Pius X (1-0) @ St. Michael (0-1)

KCI / GRC Mid-Buchanan (1-0) vs. Maysville (1-0) East Buchanan (1-0) vs. Trenton (0-1) Hamilton (0-1) @ Gallatin (1-0) North Platte (0-1) @ University Academy (0-1) SATURDAY West Platte (1-0) @ South Harrison (0-1) Lawson (0-0) @ Lafayette County (1-0) Polo (0-1) @ Slater (0-0) Princeton (0-1) @ Midway (0-1) Milan (1-0) @ Harrisburg (1-0)

8-MAN DeKalb (0-1) @ King City (0-1) Stanberry (1-0) @ Albany (0-0) Pattonsburg (1-0) @ Schuyler County (1-0) Worth County (0-1) vs. Doniphan West (KS) (0-0) South Holt/Nodaway Holt (1-0) @ Southwest Livingston (1-0) East Atchison (0-1) @ North-West Nodaway (1-0) Rock Port (1-0) @ Platte Valley (0-1) Stewartsville (1-0) @ Mound City (1-0)

WEEK 2CITY Benton (0-1) vs. Pleasant Hill (0-1) Bishop LeBlond (0-1) vs. North Andrew (1-0) Central (1-0) @ North Kansas City (1-0) Lafayette (0-1) vs. Atchison (KS) (0-0) St. Joseph Christian (0-1) @ Plattsburg (1-0)AREA MEC Savannah (0-1) @ Lathrop (0-1) Canceled Maryville (0-1) vs. Harrisonville (1-0) Chillicothe (0-1) @ Kirksville (1-0) Cameron (1-0) @ Kansas City Southeast (1-0) St. Pius X (1-0) @ St. Michael (0-1)KCI / GRC Mid-Buchanan (1-0) vs. Maysville (1-0) East Buchanan (1-0) vs. Trenton (0-1) Hamilton (0-1) @ Gallatin (1-0) North Platte (0-1) @ University Academy (0-1) SATURDAY West Platte (1-0) @ South Harrison (0-1) Lawson (0-0) @ Lafayette County (1-0) Polo (0-1) @ Slater (0-0) Princeton (0-1) @ Midway (0-1) Milan (1-0) @ Harrisburg (1-0)8-MAN DeKalb (0-1) @ King City (0-1) Stanberry (1-0) @ Albany (0-0) Pattonsburg (1-0) @ Schuyler County (1-0) Worth County (0-1) vs. Doniphan West (KS) (0-0) South Holt/Nodaway Holt (1-0) @ Southwest Livingston (1-0) East Atchison (0-1) @ North-West Nodaway (1-0) Rock Port (1-0) @ Platte Valley (0-1) Stewartsville (1-0) @ Mound City (1-0)

Area High School Football Schedule - Friday, September 4

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Luis Robert's 458-foot home run capped a second five-run inning of the night for Chicago as the White Sox defeated the Kansas City Royals 11-6 Thursday night.

Robert was one of three White Sox to homer in the contest, joining Edwin Encarnacion and Tim Anderson.

"It was a very well-struck ball," manager Rick Renteria said. "It was a pretty swing, and he got all of it."

The White Sox pulled within a half-game of the idle Cleveland Indians for the lead in the American League Central. They lead the third-place Twins by one game.

Dylan Cease (5-2) picked up the win. He allowed three runs on four hits in five-plus innings. Cease only had one 1-2-3 inning, but he kept the Royals at bay.

"I don't think I executed that great," Cease said. "There was a lot of room to get better."

Danny Duffy (2-3) took the loss for Kansas City, and he wasn't happy about it.

"Nothing felt physically off in terms of stuff, it's just that I couldn't put my fastball where I wanted it today. There will be days like this. I walked five people," Duffy said. "I think I might have doubled my walks this year. The free passes are what really kind of irks me. I've worked my butt off the last year to eliminate those. The five in a game is just unacceptable but so is five runs in an inning."

The Royals got a run in the first when Hunter Dozier lined one over the wall in left center.

The White Sox answered in the second when Encarnacion blasted one 442 feet to left leading off. With one out, Duffy walked Robert, gave up back-to-back singles and walked Tim Anderson to force in a run.

Anderson, who is a career .300 hitter against the Royals, said familiarity breeds success.

"Nothing against them. I'm just locked in, I guess. I mean, you face these guys so many times, you kind of know what they want to do or what they're thinking. For me it's just being on time."

After a wild pitch scored another run, Duffy walked Yasmani Grandal to load the bases again. Jose Abreu doubled off the wall, scoring two more. Alex Gordon's 101st career outfield assist led to an out at the plate and the end of the inning.

Anderson extended the lead to 6-1in the fourth with a one-out home run.

Back to back doubles leading off the bottom of the sixth by Maikel Franco and Alex Gordon ended the night for Cease. Edward Olivarez, making his Royals debut, singled and then Nicky Lopez drove in Gordon and Olivarez with a double to right.

But the White Sox came storming back scoring five runs off reliever Jake Newberry in the seventh. Newberry faced six batters and five scored. Abreu drove in one with a single and Yoan Moncada drove in another with a sacrifice fly before Robert's home run.

The Royals added a couple of runs in the eighth on RBI groundouts.

Royals RF/DH Jorge Soler was not in the lineup after coming out of Wednesday's game with oblique irritation. Manager Mike Matheny said he was pleased with the progress he had made since Wednesday, and listed him as day-to-day.

The Royals recalled OF Edward Olivares from the Royals alternate site. He was acquired in the trade that sent closer Trevor Rosenthal to the Padres. To make room on the roster, LHP Randy Rosario was designated for assignment.

The White Sox will send rookie RHP Dane Dunning (0-0, 2.89 ERA) for his second straight start against the Royals. In his last outing, he threw five hitless innings, allowing only one walk and only one out to leave the infield.

Brady Singer (1-3, 5.19) will get the start for the Royals. Singer has lost his last two decisions. In his last start, against the White Sox, he took a no-decision when he allowed three runs on five hits in five innings.

Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Luis Robert's 458-foot home run capped a second five-run inning of the night for Chicago as the White Sox defeated the Kansas City Royals 11-6 Thursday night.Robert was one of three White Sox to homer in the contest, joining Edwin Encarnacion and Tim Anderson."It was a very well-struck ball," manager Rick Renteria said. "It was a pretty swing, and he got all of it."The White Sox pulled within a half-game of the idle Cleveland Indians for the lead in the American League Central. They lead the third-place Twins by one game.Dylan Cease (5-2) picked up the win. He allowed three runs on four hits in five-plus innings. Cease only had one 1-2-3 inning, but he kept the Royals at bay."I don't think I executed that great," Cease said. "There was a lot of room to get better."Danny Duffy (2-3) took the loss for Kansas City, and he wasn't happy about it."Nothing felt physically off in terms of stuff, it's just that I couldn't put my fastball where I wanted it today. There will be days like this. I walked five people," Duffy said. "I think I might have doubled my walks this year. The free passes are what really kind of irks me. I've worked my butt off the last year to eliminate those. The five in a game is just unacceptable but so is five runs in an inning."The Royals got a run in the first when Hunter Dozier lined one over the wall in left center.The White Sox answered in the second when Encarnacion blasted one 442 feet to left leading off. With one out, Duffy walked Robert, gave up back-to-back singles and walked Tim Anderson to force in a run.Anderson, who is a career .300 hitter against the Royals, said familiarity breeds success."Nothing against them. I'm just locked in, I guess. I mean, you face these guys so many times, you kind of know what they want to do or what they're thinking. For me it's just being on time."After a wild pitch scored another run, Duffy walked Yasmani Grandal to load the bases again. Jose Abreu doubled off the wall, scoring two more. Alex Gordon's 101st career outfield assist led to an out at the plate and the end of the inning.Anderson extended the lead to 6-1in the fourth with a one-out home run.Back to back doubles leading off the bottom of the sixth by Maikel Franco and Alex Gordon ended the night for Cease. Edward Olivarez, making his Royals debut, singled and then Nicky Lopez drove in Gordon and Olivarez with a double to right.But the White Sox came storming back scoring five runs off reliever Jake Newberry in the seventh. Newberry faced six batters and five scored. Abreu drove in one with a single and Yoan Moncada drove in another with a sacrifice fly before Robert's home run.The Royals added a couple of runs in the eighth on RBI groundouts.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals RF/DH Jorge Soler was not in the lineup after coming out of Wednesday's game with oblique irritation. Manager Mike Matheny said he was pleased with the progress he had made since Wednesday, and listed him as day-to-day.ROSTER MOVESThe Royals recalled OF Edward Olivares from the Royals alternate site. He was acquired in the trade that sent closer Trevor Rosenthal to the Padres. To make room on the roster, LHP Randy Rosario was designated for assignment.UP NEXTThe White Sox will send rookie RHP Dane Dunning (0-0, 2.89 ERA) for his second straight start against the Royals. In his last outing, he threw five hitless innings, allowing only one walk and only one out to leave the infield.Brady Singer (1-3, 5.19) will get the start for the Royals. Singer has lost his last two decisions. In his last start, against the White Sox, he took a no-decision when he allowed three runs on five hits in five innings.

Royals lose to White Sox 11-6 in series opener

Major League Baseball today announced that Ian Kennedy was named the Kansas City Royals 2020 nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, baseball’s most prestigious individual honor for Major Leaguers.

The Roberto Clemente Award is the annual recognition of a Major League player who best represents the game of Baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field. 

As part of the annual program, each MLB Club nominates one player to be considered for the league-wide Award in tribute to Clemente’s achievements and character.  Wednesday, September 9th marks the 19th annual Roberto Clemente Day, which was established by Major League Baseball to honor Clemente’s legacy as a humanitarian and to officially acknowledge local Club nominees of the Roberto Clemente Award. As part of the league-wide celebration, the Roberto Clemente Day logo will appear on the bases and official dugout lineup cards and a special tribute video will be played in ballparks. 

Ian Kennedy is one of the 30 Club nominees for the annual award. When the pandemic struck, he immediately jumped to action and supported the Royals Charities Royals Respond Fund.  Later, as the 2020 season started, he created the initiative, K’s for a Cause, in which he donates $5,000 for each strikeout he throws to Head for the Cure, which supports who have or have had brain cancer as well as their loved ones, and Consider the Lily, which focuses on putting an end to human trafficking.

For the last three seasons, Kennedy has also hosted a fully catered dugout suite on Saturday nights in which he brings in local charities, primarily those connected with first responders and the military.  He also has supported many other Royals Charity associated events and groups including the on-field gala Diamond of Dreams, the Broadcast Auction, Braden’s Hope Calendar and hospital visits. He has bagged produce items at the Bishop Sullivan Center, served Thanksgiving meals at City Union Mission and Guadalupe Centers and helped low-income families selected their holiday gifts at the Johnson County Christmas Bureau Holiday Shop and the Della Lamb Operation Santa Claus.

The league-wide winner of the Roberto Clemente Award will be selected via a blue ribbon panel, including  Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr., representatives from MLB-affiliated networks (MLB Network, FOX Sports, ESPN and TBS), MLB.com, as well as Roberto’s children, Enrique, Luis and Roberto Clemente, Jr. Beginning today, fans can vote for the Roberto Clemente Award via mlb.com/clemente21. The site will feature bios of each of the nominees and will allow fans to vote until the end of the season on Sunday, September 27th. The winner of the fan vote will count as one vote among those cast by the blue ribbon panel.  

The concept of honoring Major League players for their philanthropic work was created in 1971 as the “Commissioner’s Award.” The recognition was renamed to the “Roberto Clemente Award” in 1973 in honor of the Hall of Famer and 15-time All-Star who died in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. 

Major League Baseball today announced that Ian Kennedy was named the Kansas City Royals 2020 nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, baseball’s most prestigious individual honor for Major Leaguers.The Roberto Clemente Award is the annual recognition of a Major League player who best represents the game of Baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field. As part of the annual program, each MLB Club nominates one player to be considered for the league-wide Award in tribute to Clemente’s achievements and character. Wednesday, September 9th marks the 19th annual Roberto Clemente Day, which was established by Major League Baseball to honor Clemente’s legacy as a humanitarian and to officially acknowledge local Club nominees of the Roberto Clemente Award. As part of the league-wide celebration, the Roberto Clemente Day logo will appear on the bases and official dugout lineup cards and a special tribute video will be played in ballparks. Ian Kennedy is one of the 30 Club nominees for the annual award. When the pandemic struck, he immediately jumped to action and supported the Royals Charities Royals Respond Fund. Later, as the 2020 season started, he created the initiative, K’s for a Cause, in which he donates $5,000 for each strikeout he throws to Head for the Cure, which supports who have or have had brain cancer as well as their loved ones, and Consider the Lily, which focuses on putting an end to human trafficking.For the last three seasons, Kennedy has also hosted a fully catered dugout suite on Saturday nights in which he brings in local charities, primarily those connected with first responders and the military. He also has supported many other Royals Charity associated events and groups including the on-field gala Diamond of Dreams, the Broadcast Auction, Braden’s Hope Calendar and hospital visits. He has bagged produce items at the Bishop Sullivan Center, served Thanksgiving meals at City Union Mission and Guadalupe Centers and helped low-income families selected their holiday gifts at the Johnson County Christmas Bureau Holiday Shop and the Della Lamb Operation Santa Claus.The league-wide winner of the Roberto Clemente Award will be selected via a blue ribbon panel, including Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr., representatives from MLB-affiliated networks (MLB Network, FOX Sports, ESPN and TBS), MLB.com, as well as Roberto’s children, Enrique, Luis and Roberto Clemente, Jr. Beginning today, fans can vote for the Roberto Clemente Award via mlb.com/clemente21. The site will feature bios of each of the nominees and will allow fans to vote until the end of the season on Sunday, September 27th. The winner of the fan vote will count as one vote among those cast by the blue ribbon panel. The concept of honoring Major League players for their philanthropic work was created in 1971 as the “Commissioner’s Award.” The recognition was renamed to the “Roberto Clemente Award” in 1973 in honor of the Hall of Famer and 15-time All-Star who died in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. --- Royals Press Release ---

Kennedy named Royals' 2020 nominee for Roberto Clemente Award

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Triston McKenzie tossed six innings of three-hit ball to celebrate his 23rd birthday, Tyler Naquin hit a pair of homers for the only runs of the game, and the Cleveland Indians beat the Kansas City Royals 5-0 on Wednesday night.

McKenzie (2-0) needed just 81 pitches thanks to six strikeouts, no walks and some slick defense behind him. His bullpen went the rest of the way, holding the Royals without a hit over the final three innings.

"I mean, the nerves are definitely still there beforehand. I don't think that's ever going to go away," McKenzie said, "but I'm going out there and feeling more comfortable in terms of treating it like a learning experience."

Naquin's first homer was a two-run shot off Jakob Junis (0-1) in the second inning. Naquin then provided his relievers with some much-needed breathing room by adding a three-run homer off Scott Barlow in the ninth.

"He was unbelievable. His swing is the best I've seen it," Indians interim manager Sandy Alomar Jr. said. "He did the work this offseason. He kind of restructured his swing a little bit -- he's been more efficient with his swing. Pretty good."

The result was the fifth consecutive loss in a series-deciding game for the Royals, and their 10th straight defeat in rubber games involving Cleveland. In fact, Kansas City has won just three of its last 35 games to decide a series.

"A couple balls we did hit hard just seemed to be at people," Royals manager Mike Matheny said. "Just couldn't put the hits together."

McKenzie had a lot to do with it Wednesday night. The youngster, who missed all of last season with injuries, retired the first 10 batters he faced. And when he ran into the slightest bit of trouble, his defense was there to help.

The first time came when Hunter Dozier hit an infield single to deep shortstop; he was wiped out by an inning-ending double play. The next came when the Royals put runners on second and third with one out in the fifth, and Carlos Santana snared a sharp grounder by Adalberto Mondesi, stepped on first and then doubled Ryan McBroom off third.

And when McKenzie whiffed on a grounder in the sixth, Francisco Lindor was there to field it and throw the runner out.

"I just wanted Frankie to make the play," McKenzie said with a grin.

Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Triston McKenzie tossed six innings of three-hit ball to celebrate his 23rd birthday, Tyler Naquin hit a pair of homers for the only runs of the game, and the Cleveland Indians beat the Kansas City Royals 5-0 on Wednesday night.McKenzie (2-0) needed just 81 pitches thanks to six strikeouts, no walks and some slick defense behind him. His bullpen went the rest of the way, holding the Royals without a hit over the final three innings."I mean, the nerves are definitely still there beforehand. I don't think that's ever going to go away," McKenzie said, "but I'm going out there and feeling more comfortable in terms of treating it like a learning experience."Naquin's first homer was a two-run shot off Jakob Junis (0-1) in the second inning. Naquin then provided his relievers with some much-needed breathing room by adding a three-run homer off Scott Barlow in the ninth."He was unbelievable. His swing is the best I've seen it," Indians interim manager Sandy Alomar Jr. said. "He did the work this offseason. He kind of restructured his swing a little bit -- he's been more efficient with his swing. Pretty good."The result was the fifth consecutive loss in a series-deciding game for the Royals, and their 10th straight defeat in rubber games involving Cleveland. In fact, Kansas City has won just three of its last 35 games to decide a series."A couple balls we did hit hard just seemed to be at people," Royals manager Mike Matheny said. "Just couldn't put the hits together."McKenzie had a lot to do with it Wednesday night. The youngster, who missed all of last season with injuries, retired the first 10 batters he faced. And when he ran into the slightest bit of trouble, his defense was there to help.The first time came when Hunter Dozier hit an infield single to deep shortstop; he was wiped out by an inning-ending double play. The next came when the Royals put runners on second and third with one out in the fifth, and Carlos Santana snared a sharp grounder by Adalberto Mondesi, stepped on first and then doubled Ryan McBroom off third.And when McKenzie whiffed on a grounder in the sixth, Francisco Lindor was there to field it and throw the runner out."I just wanted Frankie to make the play," McKenzie said with a grin.Junis was nearly as good with the exception of a couple of base hits and the big mistake to Naquin. The right-hander set down the Indians in order in the first and third, and he was cruising along in the fourth when Josh Naylor's line drive hit Junis in the right arm between the biceps and triceps -- he recovered to throw out Naylor and end the inning.Junis was removed before the start of the fifth for precautionary reasons."He was really on track right there, in my mind," Matheny said. "He's getting good, quick outs and was on a nice little roll there. He probably had two more innings of keeping us in the ballgame. Just a bad break there."STREAK STOPPEDA single by Franmil Reyes in the first inning was his eighth consecutive hit, the longest streak by an Indians player since Julio Franco also had eight hits in a row in June 1988. Reyes' streak ended with a fly out to right field in the fourth.HARDWARE TIMEIndians RHP Shane Bieber was voted American League pitcher of the month for August after piling up 57 strikeouts with a 1.63 ERA over six starts. He had at least 10 strikeouts in five of those outings, and the 2019 All-Star Game MVP now leads the AL in ERA (1.20), wins (six) and strikeouts (84).TRAINER'S ROOMIndians: C Roberto Perez started behind the plate and struck out in the second inning before departing with what the club called shoulder fatigue. Sandy Leon finished the game in his place. "They did all tests with him," Alomar said. "It feels like his arm is just dead in some area, but he's day to day."Royals: DH Jorge Soler left with tenderness in his right oblique and tightness in his back. Ryan O'Hearn struck out batting for him in the seventh. "It's something that he's kind of had before, actually early in the season," Matheny said. "He kind of knows how to monitor but it was getting to the point we needed the trainers to look at him."UP NEXTRoyals LHP Danny Duffy (2-2, 4.11 ERA) makes his second straight start against the White Sox on Thursday night when the clubs open a four-game series at Kauffman Stadium. The Indians have a day off before starting a three-game series against Milwaukee on Friday night in Cleveland.