Associated Press

CHICAGO — Scott Podsednik had a go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning, and A.J. Pierzynski hit a two-run homer in the seventh to help the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 8-7 on Monday night.

With the score tied at 7, Alex Rios drew a leadoff walk from Royals reliever Roman Colon (1-3) in the eighth. After a sacrifice and another out, Podsednik singled to center off John Bale to give Chicago the lead.

The Royals twice held the lead after going up 3-0 in the second and 4-3 after the top of the fifth.

Mitch Maier had an RBI double in the second, and Yuniesky Betancourt followed with his fourth homer to put the Royals ahead, 3-0.

The White Sox responded in the bottom of the inning. With two outs, Ramirez hit a bloop single and Nix hit his 10th homer. Podsednik’s RBI double in the fourth tied it at 3.

With a 4-3 lead in the sixth, Royals starter Brian Bannister hit Carlos Quentin with a pitch, then Rios hit a ball into the gap in right-center. Right fielder Mark Teahen had the ball get by him, allowing Quentin to score from first and Rios to get to third. Rios was credited with a double. Alexei Ramirez followed with a sacrifice fly to give Chicago the lead.

After Bannister walked Jermaine Dye in the seventh, Pierzynski added to a 5-4 lead with his 13th homer.

White Sox starter Mark Buehrle was in line for the win until Scott Linebrink gave up a 7-4 lead. After recording the first two outs of the eighth inning, Linebrink (3-5) gave up consecutive walks before pinch-hitter Mike Jacobs tied it with a homer to right. It was his 16th of the season and the first pinch-hit homer of the season for the Royals.

The start of the was delayed 58 minutes by rain.

Bannister allowed seven runs, six earned, and 10 hits in seven innings.

NOTES: Veteran RHP Freddy Garcia will make his season debut for the White Sox. Garcia signed as a free agent on June 8 and was 0-1 with a 1.80 in four minor-league rehab starts. His last major league appearance was in a start for Detroit against the White Sox on Sept. 29, 2008. He allowed two runs and two hits in five innings.