Royals Edge White Sox, Delay Playoff Clinch

The Kansas City Royals defeated the Chicago White Sox 5-4 on September 23, 2026, delaying Chicago's bid for a postseason berth. The White Sox (81-77) remained one game behind the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians (82-76). The Royals (68-90) snapped a five-game losing streak. Maikel Garcia finished with three hits and three RBIs, including a go-ahead double in the seventh. Kansas City opened the bottom of the first with three straight singles; Garcia drove in two. Vinnie Pasquantino doubled to score Garcia and later scored on Colson Montgomery's throwing error for a 4-0 lead. Bryan Hudson recorded one out while facing five batters and allowing four runs. The White Sox answered in the third with five hits and four runs while sending ten batters up, including Kyle Teel's two-run single and RBI hits from Miguel Vargas and Munetaka Murakami to tie the game. Seth Lugo allowed four runs on seven hits with three strikeouts over 3 1/3 innings in his final start; his 200 hits allowed led the American League and his 99 earned runs ranked second. Connor Thomas earned the win with one strikeout and one hit allowed in two scoreless innings. Steven Cruz closed the ninth with two strikeouts for his eighth save. CONTESTED: none found. Rated outlets agree on the score, key plays, records, and standings impact.