Melendez’s 2-run homer backs Wacha in Royals’ 3-0 shutout over White Sox

By MARC BOWMAN
Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Wacha threw seven innings of two-hit ball and MJ Melendez launched a two-run homer as the Kansas City Royals beat the slumping Chicago White Sox 3-0. Wacha struck out eight, walked one and allowed just one runner past first base. Royals pitchers have eight quality starts, most in the majors. Melendez drove Chris Flexen’s first-pitch fastball to straightaway center field to snap a scoreless tie in the seventh. Maikel Garcia knocked in another run with an infield single as Kansas City batted around in the inning. Nick Anderson allowed one hit in the eighth and Chris Stratton completed the three-hitter for his first save since July 19 last year with St. Louis.