Royals beat Sox, wrap up first playoff berth since 1985

Many in the crowd of 27,416 at U.S. Cellular Field Friday night came out to say so long to White Sox captain Paul Konerko, who is retiring after Sunday's final game of the regular season.

But there was a large throng of Kansas City fans, and they were jubliant after the Royals' 3-1 win over the Sox.

Not only did Kansas City clinch its first playoff berth since 1985 with the victory, the Royals are only 1 game behind the first-place Tigers with 2 to play.

"I don't have to give messages this time of year," K.C. manager Ned Yost said. "These guys are on fire knowing what's going on. They're going to be ready to go. I've been really pleased when they come in that clubhouse door, with the amount of laughter and looseness in that locker room, and the confidence that comes with that."

The Royals scored all 3 of their runs in the first inning off White Sox starter Hector Noesi, with Norichika Aoki hitting an RBI triple and Lorenzo Cain and Billy Butler following with run-scoring singles.

The Sox scored their lone run in the eighth inning when Adam Eaton tripled and Alexei Ramirez singled.

Check back later for more on the Royals ending their playoff drought and Konerko's final days with the White Sox.