<p>The <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox" target="_blank" ><u>White Sox</u></a> couldn’t muster any ninth-inning heroics to make up for starter Anthony Kay’s struggles on Sunday, as they dropped their series finale against the Royals 5-4.</p><p>But the Sox had already clinched their franchise-record 10th consecutive home series win during a 4-2 homestand ahead of another important seven-game East Coast road trip.</p><p>Then again, they’re all big trips these days for a squad getting used to life at the top of the American League Central, where the Sox fell into a tie for first place thanks to Cleveland's comeback win over Seattle. It's a position few outside the home clubhouse at Rate Field ever expected to find the Sox in <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2026/06/27/jacob-gonzalez-the-latest-hero-for-white-sox-who-beat-royals-2-1-to-finish-first-half-leading-division" >with June drawing</a> to a close. </p><p>"Overall we have been playing really good baseball, especially at home," said third baseman Miguel Vargas, who bolstered his All-Star case with a home run and a double.