How it happened: For the second straight game, the typically hard-hitting White Sox barely made a ripple offensively. They had no answer for right hander Jeremy Guthrie, who entered the game winless and with a 7.71 ERA on the season. Meanwhile, rookie Jose Quintana went seven-plus innings, giving up two runs - a home run each to Mike Moustakas and Salvador Perez - on five hits. Quintana, who pitched on eight days rest, struck out five and walked two.

What it means: The Sox maintain a half-game lead over the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central after losing two in a row to the last-place Royals. The Sox had won four straight series and five straight at home entering this three-game set against Kansas City.

Outside the box: A.J. Pierzynski’s RBI single in the ninth was his eighth RBI in six games this month. He has 13 RBIs during his current 10-game hitting streak.

Up next: The White Sox will have Thursday off before hosting the Oakland Athletics for a three-game set. Gavin Floyd (8-9) against righty Brandon McCarthy (6-3) on Friday. Game time is 7:10 p.m.