This one was in the books.
White Sox Vs. Royals: K.C.‘s Late-Innings Magic Fails Them
Until it wasn't, as the Chicago White Sox mounted a huge comeback to beat the Kansas City Royals, 10-7 in 12 innings.
On the strength of another solid outing by Jeff Francis, the Royals took a 6-3 lead into the bottom of the ninth. Just three outs, and they would exit their season-opening home stand with a 5-1 record and a lofty perch atop the American League Central.
Oh, and Joakim Soria, one of the game's best closers, would be attempting to preserve that three-run lead. To nobody's surprise, Soria got two quick outs. One more.
Soria would get that third out ... but not until far, far too late.
Last season, Soria never gave up four runs in one game. Last season, Soria never gave up three runs in one game. In fact, entering this season Soria had never given up four runs in a single major-league game.
He gave up four Wednesday afternoon, though, with the crushing blow delivered by Carlos Quentin, who smashed an 0-2 fastball into left-center field for a two-run double. Soria finally got that third out, but the White Sox led 7-6.
Momentum-killer, right? The end of the Royals’ recent magic? Hello, reality?
Maybe not quite yet. Because in the bottom of the ninth, Billy Butler singled with one out. Pinch-runner Jarrod Dyson stole second base easily -- that's why he's on the roster -- and scored moments later when Kila Ka'aihue blooped a double down the left-field line. And for the third straight game, the Royals went into extra innings.
Nobody scored in the 10th.
Nobody scored in the 11th.
In the top of the 12th, the White Sox loaded the bases against Sean O'Sullivan, and Brent Morel broke the tie with a two-run single to right field. Another run scored on a sacrifice fly.
In the bottom of the 12th, Chris Sale -- who’d gotten himself into trouble in the 11th -- set down the Royals in order.
Hello, Mr. Reality. Hello, Mr. O’Sullivan.
For more on the White Sox and Royals, please check out team blogs South Side Sox and Royals Review.
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