Sox Hammer and Blank Royals

(Wednesday, September 19th) Final Score: Chicago 7, Kansas City 0 Kansas City, MO (Sports Network) - Jim Thome homered twice and Jose Contreras allowed five hits in a shutout, as Chicago shut down Kansas City, 7-0, in the third installment of a four-game series at Kauffman Stadium. Thome finished 3-for-4 with two RBI and three runs scored for the White Sox, who took two of three in the series and have won four of six. Jermaine Dye went 2-for-4 and drove in two, Juan Uribe added a two-run home run and Paul Konerko also drove in a run. Contreras (10-16) turned in his second complete game of the season as well as his second shutout by striking out six and walking one. Jason LaRue had a pair of hits for the Royals, who have dropped 11 of their last 14 games. Brian Bannister (12-9) took the loss by allowing eight hits and six runs over five frames. "I really had high expectations for this game and finishing the season strong," Bannister said. "And I just wasnt able to do that. I was disappointed with that. I got beat by a good hitter (Thome) again and it was frustrating." Konerkos first-inning groundout and Dyes RBI single put the Sox ahead, 2-0, in the first. Thomes 29th homer of the season to start the third made it 3-0 Chicago, and Uribes two-run shot in the fifth made it 5-0. Thome struck again for his 30th of the season and second of the game to lead off the fifth for a 6-0 score, and Dye drove in his second of the contest with a single in the seventh. "Its been a little overwhelming the last couple days, but all for the good," noted Thome, three days removed from hitting his 500th home run. "Its time to move on and work. Now Im focusing on winning some games and keeping the same approach." Contreras was strong the whole way, allowing one hit through 5 1/3 innings and working out of a first-and-second, one-out jam in the sixth. The veteran right-hander ended the game by retiring nine of the final 10 Kansas City batters to record his third consecutive 10-win season. Game Notes The Royals are still stuck on 2,999 wins in franchise history, dating back to the clubs inception in 1969...Thome has 502 career home runs, needing two to tie Eddie Murray (504) for 22nd on the all-time list. He has also recorded at least 30 home runs in 11 of the last 12 seasons.