Late homer dooms Royals in series-opening 6-5 loss at White Sox

Pete Grathoff, The Kansas City Star on May 12, 2026

Published in Baseball

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CHICAGO — Royals manager Matt Quatraro had the bullpen set up the way he wanted Tuesday night in Chicago, but sometimes things don’t go as planned in baseball.

Left-handed reliever Matt Strahm was on the mound in a tie game in the eighth inning at Rate Field. He got the first two outs but White Sox pinch-hitter Derek Hill clubbed 1-1 slider over the left-field wall for a 417-foot homer.

That was the difference as the White Sox won the series opener, 6-5. The White Sox have taken three of five against the Royals so far this year.

Here’s more from Chicago:

The Royals’ ABS rally

Royals rookie Carter Jensen took a called third strike in the sixth inning Tuesday against the White Sox, starting a game-changing rally.

Jensen tapped his helmet and the ensuing ABS challenge showed the pitch was less than one-tenth of an inch outside. He later drew a walk in the plate appearance and scored as part of a three-run frame that tied the game.

Infielder Nick Loftin delivered a two-run double while pinch-hitting, and Maikel Garcia followed with an RBI single that tied the game at 5-5.

The Royals’ fast start

The Royals got off a quick 2-0 lead thanks to solo homers by Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez in the top of the first inning.

Injury update for Kansas City

Starting pitcher Cole Ragans, who is out because of elbow impingement, played catch Sunday and Tuesday.

There was a “little more intensity” in the latter session, Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. Ragans will likely play catch again Wednesday, Quatraro said.

Up next

The Royals face the White Sox in the second game of the series on Wednesday at Rate Field. RHP Seth Lugo will start for the Royals against Chicago LHP Noah Schultz. First pitch is at 6:40 p.m.