Royals Rally, Sweep

The Chicago White Sox were supposed to be American League Central contenders, but they are 0-3.

But the Kansas City Royals, who lost 100 games last season and then slashed payroll, are 3-0 after rookie Ken Harvey hit a two-run single off Billy Koch to key a seven-run eighth inning in Thursday’s 12-6 victory.

Kansas City, 3-0 for the first time since 1979, scored all its runs with two out. After Harvey’s two-run single put the Royals ahead, 7-6, Brent Mayne hit Koch’s next pitch for an opposite-field, three-run homer. Mayne had four hits and four RBIs.

The White Sox, 0-3 for the first time since 1995, committed four errors and wasted a great day by Jose Valentin, who hit two two-run homers and a triple.

The Royals’ Mike Sweeney was three for three with a home run, three walks and three runs batted in.

Chicago led 6-5 in the eighth when Tom Gordon (0-1) hit Joe Randa with a pitch and Sweeney walked. Damaso Marte walked Desi Relaford with two out, loading the bases, and Koch relieved.

He had 44 saves last year for Oakland, but couldn’t convert his first chance with Chicago.