MLB: Kansas City 8, Chicago White Sox 7

CHICAGO, July 20 (UPI) -- Esteban German's third hit, a two-run eighth-inning double, lifted the Kansas City Royals over the Chicago White Sox 8-7.

Kansas City squandered an early 4-0 lead, but was saved when German's hit erased a 7-6 deficit with two outs in the top of the eighth.

David DeJesus had two hits and three RBI. Ross Gload knocked in two runs and Mike Aviles added three hits and one RBI for the Royals, who have won five of their last seven games.

The winner was reliever Ramon Ramirez (1-1).

Closer Joakim Soria pitched a perfect ninth for his 26th save.

Chicago's Joe Crede belted a three-run homer in the third. Nick Swisher had two hits, one a two-run seventh inning homer, and three RBI.

Jim Thome had two hits and one RBI. A.J. Pierzynski had three hits and Alexei Ramirez added two for the White Sox, who lost the final two contests in the three-game series.

The losing pitcher was Matt Thornton (4-2).