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White Sox Take Series 2-1 Over Royals with Late-Inning Heroics
The Chicago White Sox emerged victorious in a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals, winning two out of three games. The series featured dominant pitching performances, key hits, and clutch late-game heroics by the White Sox, while the Royals displayed their power in Game 1 before faltering in the following matchups.
Game 1: Royals Overwhelm White Sox 10-2
May 16, 2024 – Kansas City Royals 10, Chicago White Sox 2
The Royals opened the series in commanding fashion, defeating the White Sox 10-2 behind a relentless 17-hit offensive assault. Fred Lynn and Harry Steinfeldt led the charge for Kansas City, while Herb Pennock pitched six solid innings to earn the win.
Key Plays:
- Top 5th: The Royals exploded for four runs, taking advantage of shaky pitching from Denny McLain. Ty Cobb walked, and Harry Steinfeldt followed with a two-run double to put Kansas City up 2-0. Fred Lynn doubled in two more runs to cap the inning, giving the Royals a commanding 4-2 lead.
- Top 8th: Kansas City added four insurance runs to seal the win. Fred Lynn continued his big night with another RBI double, and Zack Wheat doubled to drive in two more.
Player Reactions:
- Harry Steinfeldt: “We just stayed patient, waiting for our pitches. It was great to contribute in the big innings. The guys were locked in at the plate.”
- Herb Pennock: “My fastball command was there tonight, and I got key outs when I needed them. Our offense made my job easy.”
Box Score Summary:
- Kansas City: 10 runs, 17 hits, 1 error
- Chicago: 2 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors
Notable Performances:
- Fred Lynn (KC): 2-5, 2 2B, 3 RBI
- Harry Steinfeldt (KC): 3-4, 2 2B, 5 RBI
- Herb Pennock (KC): 6.1 IP, 9 H, 2 ER, 3 K
Game 2: Hooton Silences Royals as White Sox Even Series
May 17, 2024 – Chicago White Sox 4, Kansas City Royals 1
Burt Hooton delivered a gem on the mound for Chicago in Game 2, throwing seven scoreless innings while allowing just three hits, as the White Sox defeated the Royals 4-1 to even the series. Chicago took control early, scoring four runs in the first inning off Kansas City starter Luis Tiant, and never looked back.
Key Plays:
- Bottom 1st: Chester Williams singled and George Brett was hit by a pitch to set the stage for Turkey Stearnes. Stearnes hit a three-run home run, giving the White Sox a 3-0 lead. Moments later, Ryan Klesko added a solo homer, making it 4-0.
- Top 9th: The Royals threatened with a Fred Lynn RBI double to break up the shutout, but José Mesa closed the door with a strikeout to secure the win.
Player Reactions:
- Burt Hooton: “Everything was working tonight. I felt strong from the first pitch, and the defense was solid behind me.”
- Turkey Stearnes: “I was just looking to get a good swing, and I connected. It felt great to get us off to a fast start.”
Box Score Summary:
- Kansas City: 1 run, 5 hits, 0 errors
- Chicago: 4 runs, 6 hits, 0 errors
Notable Performances:
- Burt Hooton (CHW): 7.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 K
- Turkey Stearnes (CHW): 2-4, HR, 3 RBI
- Ryan Klesko (CHW): 1-4, HR, RBI
Game 3: White Sox Stage Comeback to Win Series 7-4
May 18, 2024 – Chicago White Sox 7, Kansas City Royals 4
In a dramatic series finale, the White Sox came from behind with a four-run eighth inning to take the series with a 7-4 victory. Kansas City led 4-3 heading into the bottom of the eighth, but Chicago rallied behind key hits from George Brett and Willie Wilson to secure the win.
Key Plays:
- Top 8th: The Royals took a 4-3 lead on a two-run single by Zack Wheat, scoring Fred Lynn and Harry Steinfeldt, who had both walked.
- Bottom 8th: The White Sox responded in a big way. George Brett led off with a single and advanced to third on a Turkey Stearnes single. Ryan Klesko walked to load the bases, and Willie Wilson followed with an RBI single to tie the game at 4-4. Felipe Alou then delivered the decisive blow with a two-run single, giving Chicago a 6-4 lead. Kirk Gibson added an RBI single for insurance.
Player Reactions:
- George Brett: “This is why we play the game, for moments like these. We never gave up and kept battling.”
- Felipe Alou: “I was just looking for a pitch I could handle. I knew we had a chance to win it if I could come through.”
Box Score Summary:
- Kansas City: 4 runs, 9 hits, 0 errors
- Chicago: 7 runs, 13 hits, 0 errors
Notable Performances:
- George Brett (CHW): 3-4, 2 R
- Willie Wilson (CHW): 1-4, 2 RBI
- Felipe Alou (CHW): 3-4, 4 RBI
Series MVP: Turkey Stearnes (CHW)
Turkey Stearnes was the clear MVP of the series, batting .500 with a home run and five RBIs. His three-run home run in Game 2 and multiple key hits throughout the series were instrumental in Chicago’s success. "It feels great to contribute," Stearnes said. "This was a tough series, but we came through when it counted."
The White Sox now head into their next series with confidence, while the Royals will look to regroup after missing key opportunities in Games 2 and 3.
