Cain’s 2 HR’s Lift Royals Over White Sox, 7-5

CHICAGO — The Kansas City Royals continued their dominance over the Chicago White Sox on Friday night, with a 7-5 win at U.S. Cellular Field.

The Royals (62-76, 31-38 away) now lead the season series over the first-place White Sox 9-4.

Center fielder Lorenzo Cain hit a two-run blast off closer Addison Reed (3-2, 4.56 ERA) in the ninth to give the Royals a 7-5 lead. It was Cain’s second home run of the night, and his seventh HR this season.

Catcher Sal Perez gave the Royals their first lead of the game with a two-run jack in the second, his ninth of the year.

Chicago (74-63, 40-28 home) tied the game with HR’s on three separate occasions. Shortstop Alexei Ramirez hit a two-run shot in the sixth to tie the game at 5-5.

The White Sox teed off on Royals starter Luis Mendoza (4.63 ERA), who gave up five runs on 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings, striking out three and walking one. White Sox starter Francisco Liriano (5.25 ERA) gave up five runs on six hits, fanning four and walking four.

Royals reliever Kelvin Herrera (2-2, 2.42 ERA) got the win. Closer Greg Holland (2.79 ERA) struck out the side to earn his 12th save.

Lefty Bruce Chen (10-11, 5.28 ERA) starts against All-Star lefty Chris Sale (15-6, 2.93 ERA) for game two on Saturday afternoon at U.S. Cellular Field.