Royals Are a Pain for White Sox Again

Mark Grudzielanek celebrated his new contract with a big night at the plate.

Grudzielanek hit a three-run homer and finished with three hits after agreeing to a $4-million, one-year extension, and Adam Bernero pitched six shutout innings to lead the Kansas City Royals past the Chicago White Sox, 10-4, Wednesday night.

The defending World Series champions have lost two straight games to the Royals, who have the worst record in the majors. Just before that, Chicago won five in a row -- including a three-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers, owners of the best record in the big leagues. Chicago now trails Detroit by 6 1/2 games in the AL Central.

Kansas City, which roughed up Jose Contreras (11-5), had lost five straight before beating the White Sox on consecutive nights.

“We have to win every game because we are in a pennant race and we’re not ahead of it so we don’t have a luxury to lose games,” Contreras said through a translator.

Ryan Shealy also homered for the Royals.

Alex Cintron hit a grand slam in the ninth for the White Sox, who set a franchise record with nine slams this season.

Bernero (1-0) won his first game as a starter in the majors since May 31, 2003. Making his second start of the season, he held the White Sox to five hits. He struck out six and didn’t allow a walk.

Grudzielanek, nearly traded before signing a deal which runs through 2007, has a player option for 2008 at $4 million to $4.5 million, depending on plate appearances next season.