July 18--Mike Moustakas and Alex Rios hit solo home runs off White Sox right-hander Jeff Samardzija to help the Royals to a 4-2 victory in the first game of a doubleheader Friday at U.S. Cellular Field. Samardzija allowed four earned runs on seven hits.
At the plate
Geovany Soto and Adam Eaton hit home runs off Royals right-hander Chris Young to keep the Sox even through five innings.
Turning point
The Royals scored twice in the sixth inning off Samardzija, which included Rios' first home run since opening day against the Sox.
Pivotal at-bats
With runners on second and third in the sixth inning, Alexei Ramirez and Soto each grounded out softly to Royals reliever Ryan Madson.
Key number
18 -- Earned runs Samardzija has allowed in the first inning this year, including one on Lorenzo Cain's RBI double Friday.
The quote
"I have to tip my hat to Moustakas. He won that game for them today -- the way he battled, took a walk, battled and hit a homer (on the 12th pitch of the at-bat) to take the lead. He was a tough out out there today." -- Samardzija
The quote II
"Everybody knows the back end of the (Royals) bullpen is tough, and when you have opportunities you have to take advantage of them. We didn't do that today." -- Sox manager Robin Ventura
Up next
Vs. Royals, 1:10 p.m. Saturday, CSN.
