Kansas City 3, Chi. White Sox 0

Royals 3, White Sox 0: Bruce Chen pitched 6 2/3 innings to outduel American League Cy Young contender Chris Sale and Alex Gordon delivered a two-run double as host Kansas City ended Chicago's five-game winning streak.

The White Sox's lead in the American League Central was reduced to two games over Detroit as the Tigers defeated the Oakland Athletics 6-2 earlier Wednesday. Sale (17-7) allowed three runs and eight hits, walked two and struck out eight in 6 2/3 innings.

Chen (11-12) improved to 3-1 in five starts against Chicago since the All-Star break. He yielded five hits, walked three and struck four as the Royals improved to 11-6 versus the White Sox this season. Greg Holland pitched the ninth for his 14th save in 17 chances and completed Kansas City's 12th shutout of the season.

Gordon's double - his major league-leading 49th - came with two outs in the seventh inning and gave the Royals a 3-0 lead. It appeared White Sox left fielder Dayan Viciedo had a chance to catch it against the wall, but he could not corral it.

Alejandro De Aza had four hits and Alex Rios three for the White Sox, who finished with nine hits and left 10 on base.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Royals RHP Luis Mendoza was scheduled to start Wednesday, but has strep throat. He is expected to rejoin the rotation Friday. ... Kansas City DH Billy Butler added to his career-high RBI total with his 98th on a sacrifice fly in the third inning. ... Chen was making his fifth straight start against a playoff contender, and eighth in his last nine.

• Kansas City will play their next game at home against Chi. White Sox. The Royals have a W/L % of .433 after a win and .469 after a loss.
• Chi. White Sox will play their next game on the road against Kansas City. The White Sox have a W/L % of .568 after a win and .530 after a loss.