MLB: Chicago White Sox 3, Kansas City 0

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Sept. 21 (UPI) -- The Chicago White Sox rode the shutout pitching of John Danks and two relievers to a 3-0 win Sunday over the Kansas City Royals.

The American League Central's first-place White Sox maintained their 2 1/2-game lead over the Minnesota Twins, who beat Tampa Bay 4-1.

Paul Konerko hit a two-run home run and Jim Thome drove in the other White Sox run with a sacrifice fly.

Danks (11-8) pitched into the eighth inning, scattering four hits with three strikeouts and a walk. The win was his first since mid-August.

Relievers Matt Thornton and Bobby Jenks, who got his 29th save, completed the shutout.

Brandon Duckworth (3-2) took the loss. Duckworth gave up three runs and five hits over six-plus innings.