On Friday, the Royals scored six unanswered runs late in order to snatch a game away from the White Sox. On Saturday, the Royals made it two in a row by overcoming 1,000-to-1 odds and plating seven during the bottom of the ninth. On Sunday, the Royals staged another comeback -- this time completing the sweep by reeling off three runs in the bottom of the eighth to steal another game from their division foe.
The whole mess started when Robin Ventura yanked Chris Sale after seven quality innings. In came Nate Jones, who retired Whit Merrifield on two pitches. So good so far, but it wouldn't remain that way. Jones then allowed consecutive extra-base hits to Lorenzo Cain (a home run) and Eric Hosmer (a double) before walking Kendrys Morales and yielding a single to Paulo Orlando that loaded the bases.
Things got worse after that, as Jones walked in the tying run. Ventura then made another pitching change, inserting Matt Albers. Unfortunately, for Ventura and the White Sox, Albers allowed a go-ahead infield single to Cheslor Cuthbert. The White Sox were able to throw out Orlando at the plate, who tried to score after Brett Lawrie's lob got loose, which meant Albers' ensuing walk to Drew Butera didn't late a run. From there, Albers induced a first-pitch flyout from Alcides Escobar to end the inning.
The White Sox had a chance to even or retake the lead in the ninth inning, but instead went down without much fight against Wade Davis. To make matters worse for the White Sox, they entered the series ahead of the Royals in the standings. That's no longer the case, and they have no one but themselves to blame.
