CHICAGO (AP) — The staggering Chicago White Sox lost their 16th straight game, extending a franchise record, as Michael Massey homered and Michael Wacha pitched seven strong innings to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory Tuesday night.
Bobby Witt Jr. ran his hitting streak to 12 games and had the first RBI in an eighth-inning rally that gave the Royals the lead for good.
“We’ve had big at-bats all year,” Massey said. “We know we’re capable.”
Chicago’s Andrew Vaughn homered for the second consecutive night and rookie Jonathan Cannon pitched seven terrific innings, allowing only Massey’s solo shot while walking three and striking out two. He gave way to rookie Fraser Ellard (0-1), who walked two in his major league debut to set the stage for Kansas City's comeback.
Down 2-1, the Royals got a bloop single from Witt to tie it before Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run single off Justin Anderson.
Vaughn had an RBI groundout in the bottom half, but Sam Long worked a clean ninth for his fourth career save and first this season.
Wacha (8-6) scattered five hits over seven innings, walking two and striking out five. He’s won five of his last six starts, and Kansas City has won 11 of 17.
“He was really good,” Pasquantino said. “It’s awesome to play behind him because you always feel like you’re in it.”
Chicago dropped to a major league-worst 27-83 and is threatening to break the record for most losses in a 162-game season, set by the expansion New York Mets when they finished with 120 in 1962.
“It’s not for the lack of effort. We’re busting our (tails) trying to get that win,” shortstop Nicky Lopez said. “It just always seems like there’s that one inning or one situation where we have to come through and we haven’t done that.”
It was a busy trade-deadline day for both teams. Kansas City acquired right-hander Lucas Erceg from Oakland for outfielder Jared Dickey and pitchers Mason Barnett and Will Klein. The move came after the Royals swapped minor league pitcher Jarold Rosado for White Sox infielder Paul DeJong.
Chicago designated hitter Eloy Jiménez went to Baltimore for left-hander Trey McGough and cash, and lefty Tanner Banks was traded to Philadelphia for minor league infielder William Bergolla.
A move many thought the White Sox might make never materialized. All-Star pitcher Garrett Crochet, the subject of much speculation in the weeks leading up to Tuesday’s deadline, is staying put. His demand for a new contract and a starting role from any potential new team reportedly affected the team’s ability to trade him. Chicago outfielder Luis Robert Jr. also remained with the club despite persistent trade talk.
ROSTER MOVES
Royals: RHP Jonathan Bowlan was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. INF Nick Lofton was optioned to Omaha and RHP John McMillon was designated for assignment.
White Sox: INF Lenyn Sosa was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte, LHP Fraser Ellard was promoted from Charlotte and former Los Angeles Dodgers INF Miguel Vargas was signed before the first pitch.
UP NEXT
Kansas City’s Brady Singer (7-6, 2.82 ERA) faces fellow right-hander Drew Thorpe (3-2, 4.81) in the series finale Wednesday afternoon.