Chicago White Sox Team Report - April 16th

(Sports Network) - The White Sox fell at home yesterday to the first-place Kansas City Royals by a margin of 8-5. Chicago looks to redeem itself today in the second game of a three-game set.

Thomas homered and Armando Rios gathered three RBI and two hits for the White Sox, who had won three of their last four coming in.

Billy Koch (1-1) was dealt the loss after permitting four runs and four hits in one-third of an inning. Starting pitcher, Mark Buehrle threw 6 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on eight hits, while striking out six batters.

Jose Valentin has a four-game hitting streak and has hit safely in eight of the nine games the White Sox have played this season.

The game also featured incidences of fan interference. After Carlos Lee flied out to right field to end the eighth inning, a fan ran onto the field and attacked first base umpire Laz Diaz. Diaz defended himself well and Royals outfielder Brandon Berger hustled to his aid.

Three times earlier Tuesday night the game was delayed when fans ran onto the field before being tackled by security guards. Last September in Chicago, current Kansas City bullpen coach Tom Gamboa was attacked by a pair of fans while coaching first base.

Jon Garland will head to the mound today to face the Royals. Garland is 0-1 on the season with an ERA of 9.00 in two starts. In his previous start, Garland recorded the loss, throwing six innings and allowing five runs on six hits against the Indians.

Garland will be facing the Royals for a second time this season. In his first start, Garland was rocked for five runs on nine hits in four innings of work. He did not figure in the decision. However, Garland has pitched well against the Royals in his career, posting a 5-2 record with a 3.80 ERA in 10 starts.

04/16 11:36:48 ET