KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia didn’t waste any time. He stepped in the box with purpose against Chicago White Sox starter Erick Fedde.

And Garcia changed the game with one swing.

In the first inning, Garcia belted a solo homer over the left-field wall. He got a 93.9-mph sinker down the middle of the plate.

The baseball left his bat in mere seconds. As Garcia trotted around the bases, the Royals celebrated him from the home dugout. It was his third career leadoff homer and first since March 28, 2024, against the Minnesota Twins.

The Royals (7-8) scored twice on Saturday. Garcia was in on both — scoring later on a Vinnie Pasquantino sacrifice fly — as the Royals earned a 2-0 victory at Kauffman Stadium.

It was the club’s second shutout in as many days.

The White Sox (5-10) ran into more good pitching. Royals starter Michael Wacha turned in another dominant performance. He recorded eight scoreless innings, matching Kris Bubic on Friday night.

Wacha began the game with 17 consecutive strikes. He pounded the strike zone with primarily his four-seam fastball, change-up and sinker. The White Sox chased throughout the game: Wacha recorded 44 swings and 15 whiffs, per Statcast.

Chicago finished with four hits in the game (as did the Royals). White Sox sluggers Andrew Benintendi and Lenyn Sosa each recorded doubles. However, Wacha avoided further trouble and kept his pitch count low, which allowed him to march through eight innings of shutout baseball.

Wacha entered the eighth inning at 80 pitches.

He retired Tanner Murray, Reese McGuire and Chase Meidroth in order to preserve a one-run lead. Wacha struck out Meidroth and received a loud ovation from the 16,214 fans in attendance when he walked off the field.

Since joining the Royals, Wacha has posted a quality start in seven games against the White Sox.

Royals closer Lucas Erceg took over in the ninth. He picked up his fifth save as the club secured at least a split in the four-game series.

What’s next?

Royals left-hander Noah Cameron will start Sunday’s series finale at Kauffman Stadium. Chicago has not named a starter. First pitch is set for 1:10 p.m. Central Time.

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