White Sox continue to flip script in 2026, defeating visiting Royals, 6-5

Pete Grathoff, The Kansas City Star on May 13, 2026

Published in Baseball

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CHICAGO — These aren’t your older brother’s White Sox.

During the previous two seasons, the Royals won 22 of 26 games against the South Siders. But things have changed now.

The White Sox beat the Royals, 6-5, on Wednesday night at Rate Field for Chicago’s fourth victory in six tries against KC this season. It was also the Royals’ third straight loss and they dropped to 19-24.

The Royals are just four back of the Guardians in the American League Central, but Cleveland is the only team above .500. Chicago improved to 21-21.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro was asked before the game if he expects a tight race in the division.

“I would think, but I hope not,” Quatraro said. “I hope we run away with it. That’s our plan, but we’ve got to play good baseball more consistently to do that.”

The Royals’ early season troubles with runners in scoring position (RISP) resurfaced Wednesday night. They were just 2 for 10 with RISP after batting .295 in that situation since April 22.

Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino had that first hit, a two-run single that tied the game 3-3 in the fourth inning. But Jarred Kelenic’s two-run double in the bottom of the fifth put the White Sox up for good.

Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. had another big moment in the ninth inning, launching a two-run homer that got the Royals within one. But they couldn’t complete the comeback.

Seth Lugo’s night

Royals pitcher Seth Lugo struggled, allowing five runs on eight hits in five innings.

Lugo (1-3) struck out four and walked two.

After showing some early dominance, the Royals’ starting pitchers have just one quality start between them in the team’s last seven games.

KC injury update

Left-handed starting pitcher Cole Ragans, who is out with elbow impingement, played catch for a second straight day (and third time in four days).

“I think we’re trying to keep him as in as much of a normal routine as possible,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said, “so he’ll continue to build the distance and the intensity and then hopefully be off the mound here relatively soon.”

Up next

The Royals will wrap up their three-game series with the White Sox on Thursday — and both teams plan to start left-handers. Kris Bubic is scheduled to go for the Royals, while Anthony Kay gets the nod for Chicago in the 6:40 p.m. start.