CHICAGO — Seth Lugo continued his torrid start with the Kansas City Royals on Monday night in Chicago.

Prior to Monday’s game, Lugo had pitched to a 1.45 ERA through three starts. Each outing registered as a quality one, as Lugo had surrendered just three earned runs in 18 2/3 innings.

Lugo lowered those numbers in the Royals’ series opener against the White Sox. He tossed seven shutout innings as the Royals won 2-0 at Guaranteed Rate Field.

The Royals improved to 11-6 and won their fifth consecutive game against the White Sox (2-14) this season.

KC’s lineup provided Lugo with just enough run support. In the fourth inning, Vinnie Pasquantino hit a solo home run off White Sox rookie Nick Nastrini.

Nastrini, who was making his Major League Baseball debut, allowed two earned runs in five innings. He issued two walks and allowed three hits.

Lugo, meanwhile, cruised like the steady, veteran force the Royals envisioned when they acquired him as a free agent this past offseason. He scattered four hits; former Royal Andrew Benintendi accounted for half of them.

After Lugo had done his job, the Royals turned to their bullpen. Chris Stratton rebounded from allowing four walks against the New York Mets on Sunday by tossing a scoreless inning. James McArthur pitched the ninth to earn his third save of the season.

The Royals will look to win the series on Tuesday night.

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