Royals Destroy White Sox 9-1

CHICAGO — What started as a pitchers’ duel later turned ugly when the Kansas City Royals added a ton of insurance runs in the ninth to crush the Chicago White Sox 9-1 on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Cellular Field.

Sunday’s rubber-match victory marked the second straight series win for the Royals.

The White Sox (16-19, 6-11 home) led 1-0 until a go-ahead two-run RBI double by second baseman Johnny Giavotella gave the Royals a 2-1 lead in the seventh inning. Right fielder Jeff Francoeur crushed his first home run of the season to give the Royals (13-20, 9-7 away) a 3-1 lead in the eighth.

In the ninth, the White Sox bullpen fell apart. The Royals unleashed a season-high six-run inning at the expense of reliever Addison Reed (5.23 ERA), who gave up six runs on two hits, walked three and struck out one.

Royals starter Danny Duffy (2-2, 3.90 ERA) was pulled in the first inning due to potential injury concerns. He was replaced by Luis Mendoza (2-2, 4.76 ERA), who gave up one run on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings, striking out four and walking two.

The White Sox couldn’t salvage an effective start by former Royals reliever Phillip Humber (1-2, 5.77 ERA), who surrendered one run on four hits in 6 2/3 innings. He struck out seven and walked three.

Kansas City continues its road trip on Monday for a two-game series against the Texas Rangers (23-12, 10-6 home).

Lefty Bruce Chen (1-4, 4.83 ERA) will start against Rangers pitcher Scott Feldman (0-0, 4.35 ERA).