Ian Kennedy and three relievers combined for a two-hit shutout as the Royals rolled the White Sox, 2-0, in Chicago. Kennedy struck out six over six innings, with Wade Davis earning his 24th save. Kendrys Morales and Eric Hosmer went long for the Royals, who took the rubber match on the road.
Chicago ace Chris Sale struck out 12 over eight innings of two-run ball in the tough loss. Adam Eaton had both hits for the South Siders.
The White Sox are home Monday night against Cleveland.
Addison Russell was 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBI and three runs scored to help the Cubs beat the Astros, 9-5, in the rubber match of a three-game series at Minute Maid Park. Jorge Soler added a solo shot, while Jake Arrieta improved to 17-and-6 by pitching into the sixth inning. Chicago is 40 games over .500 at 91-and-51.
Houston made it look a little closer than it seemed with solo homers from Yulieski Gurriel and Evan Gattis in the bottom of the ninth. Mike Fiers didn't make it out of the third inning, giving up seven runs on seven hits and walking two. The' Stros are three-and-a-half games out of the second Wild Card spot in the American League.
The Cubs are in St. Louis tonight againat the Cardinals. Their magic number to clinch the Central division is down to 5.
