Here's a quick look at the Chicago White Sox's 5-2 loss to the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on Sunday:

How it happened: The White Sox offense struggled for most of the game and didn’t record its first hit until Paul Konerko's two-out infield hit in the seventh. The Sox only got two unearned runs in the eighth inning off Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie, when a two-out error on Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer allowed Dayan Viciedo and Ray Olmedo to score. The Royals took the lead back in the bottom of the eighth, scoring three times off Sox reliever Jesse Crain. Guthrie went 7 2/3 innings, allowing three hits while walking one and striking out five. Rookie Jose Quintana pitched well again for the Sox, scattering nine hits over seven innings and giving up just two runs.

What it means: The White Sox were swept by the Royals, who have now beaten them five straight times. The White Sox are 4-8 against Kansas City this season. The Detroit Tigers’ 7-5 loss to the Baltimore Orioles earlier Sunday let the Sox maintain their 1.5 game lead in the AL Central.

Outside the box: Konerko’s hit could have easily been ruled an error on Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar. After fielding the ball on the outfield grass, Escobar appeared to have plenty of time to throw out Konerko, but his throw was wide of the bag and Hosmer couldn’t hold onto it at first. The Royals fans booed loudly when the play was ruled a hit.

Up next: The White Sox return home to take on the New York Yankees on Monday night at 7:10 CT. Sox starter Gavin Floyd (9-9, 4.43 ERA) will face the Yankee’s Freddy Garcia (7-5, 4.68).