Shields sits the ninth

Jordan Danks atoned for a base-running blunder in the ninth inning by hitting a solo home run in the 11th that lifted the Chicago White Sox over the Kansas City Royals 2-1 Monday.

Danks connected with two outs off Kelvin Herrera (2-3) for his first homer of the season. It was the sixth homer Herrera has allowed this season. He did not allow one in 2012.

Down 1-0, the White Sox loaded the bases with no outs in the ninth off closer Greg Holland. After Paul Konerko grounded into a home-to-first double play, Danks entered as a pinch-runner at second base for Adam Dunn.

Conor Gillaspie was intentionally walked to load the bases. Alexei Ramirez followed with an infield single up the middle that made it 1-all, but Danks was caught in a rundown between third and home and tagged out, ending the rally.

Before then, starter James Shields threw eight shutout innings, allowing just two hits and two walks while striking out nine White Sox batters. Despite sitting on a modest 102 pitches, manager Ned Yost decided to pull his starter for the final three outs and turn the game over to his bullpen.

That decision backfired.