The Kansas City Royals once again trailed the Chicago White Sox after four innings Wednesday, Aug. 27, but they responded to Andrew Benintendi’s solo home run by plating eight runs in the top of the fifth to steamroll the Southsiders 12-1 at Rate Field.

Benintendi’s home run came with two outs in the fourth inning and was one of his three hits on the night. White Sox starter Aaron Civale would end up only holding the lead for two pitches, as Salvador Perez hit a leadoff home run in the fifth to tie the game. Civale would allow a single to Adam Frazier and attempt to salvage the inning after getting a pair of pop outs, but the Royals were just getting warmed up.

A single to Kyle Isbel and walk to Mike Yastrzemski loaded the bases for Bobby Witt Jr, who brought two runs home with his single. Pasquantino then welcomed reliever Tyler Gilbert to the game with a two-RBI single. A walk to Maikel Garcia brought Perez back to the plate, who delivered his second extra-base hit of the inning, a double that scored Pasquantino and Garcia. Those two RBIs allowed Perez to overtake Amos Otis for the third most as a Royal, and put him seven away from 1000 career RBIs. Perez then scored on Frazier’s double. The Royals chased Gilbert from the game in the sixth when Yastrzemski hit a three-run home run to center field, and added their final run in the eighth with a Garcia single.

All told, the Royals peppered the White Sox with 16 hits and drew four walks. Ryan Bergert picked up the win, going six innings and allowing the solo home run on six hits and two walks, while striking out three. Now 69-65, the Royals remain three games behind Seattle for the third wild card spot, while 8.5 behind Detroit for the AL Central lead. After an off day, the Royals return home Friday night to battle the Tigers, with Seth Lugo getting the start. First pitch will be at 7:10 p.m.