Chi. White Sox 4, Kansas City 3

CHICAGO, April 16 (UPI) -- A sacrifice fly by Frank Thomas scored pinch-runner Tony Graffanino with the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning Wednesday night as the Chicago White Sox posted a 4-3 win over Kansas City.

The Royals lost for just the second time in 14 games.

Following Tuesday's ugly episode, when a fan ran on the field to attack first base umpire Laz Diaz, the Royals threatened not to play Wednesday unless security was increased. Five additional police officers were deployed on each side of the field, and there were no incidents.

The White Sox also had 16 guards ring the field during half-inning breaks, while police were stationed near both dugouts and roamed the stands at U.S. Cellular Field.

Four announcements warning fans to stay off the field were made before the game. White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko, in a message played on a scoreboard screen, also implored fans to behave.

"I had no question that we would play tonight, and that security would do a good job," said Kansas City Manager Tony Pena. "I didn't even worry about it."

"It was fun just to play the game of baseball at Comiskey Park without a fan finally running on the field," said Kansas City first baseman Mike Sweeney. "It was a good ballgame, but unfortunately the White Sox ended up on top."

Joe Crede opened the bottom of the ninth with a single off Jason Grimsley (0-1) and Graffanino went in to run. Grimsley threw away Miguel Olivio's bunt, putting runners on second and third.

After D'Angelo Jimenez was intentionally walked, Jose Valentin fouled out, but Thomas lifted a flyball to shallow right field. First baseman Mike Sweeney appeared to have a play at the plate after cutting off the throw from Mendy Lopez, but he dropped the ball trying to get it out his glove.

Tom Gordon (1-1) tossed a scoreless ninth to record the eighth.

The Royals tied it on Angel Berroa's two-run homer off Damaso Garcia in the top of the eighth, his first of the season.

"It was a fastball and I was sitting on it," Berroa said. "I will always remember it."

The homer spoiled a strong effort by Chicago starter Jon Garland, who yielded just one run and three hits over seven innings.

"We needed a good effort from him, and Jon stepped up large," said Chicago Manager Jerry Manuel. "He threw seven solid innings, and now hopefully, he is his way."