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Sox, Royals resume set in KC

(Sports Network) - Young right-hander Brian Bannister looks to regain his winning form tonight when the Kansas City Royals host the Chicago White Sox in the third game of a four-game series at Kauffman Stadium.

Bannister, a 26-year-old who reached the majors with the New York Mets in 2006, won seven of eight decisions in a nine-start stretch between July 22 and September 2, improving his season record from 5-6 to 12-7.

He's 0-1 with a no-decision in two starts since, however, including a five- inning stint against the New York Yankees on Sept. 8 in which he allowed seven hits and seven runs in an 11-5 loss.

Bannister, the son of former major-league pitcher Floyd Bannister, is 2-0 in three lifetime starts against Chicago with a 3.12 earned run average in 17 1/3 innings.

Chicago's Jose Contreras last faced the Royals in August 22.

In that start, the 35-year-old Cuban export allowed six hits and four runs in six innings of a 7-6 loss, dropping his career slate against Kansas City to 7-4 in 13 starts.

He's 3-0 with a no-decision in four starts since, however, including a 5-3 defeat of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Sept. 14, in which he allowed 11 hits and three runs in 7 1/3 innings.

Contreras is 3-9 in 14 road starts this season with a 5.68 ERA in 84 innings.

On Tuesday, Billy Butler's two-run single capped a three-run first inning and the Royals held on for a 3-2 win over the White Sox.

Kansas City starter Gil Meche (9-12) went seven innings, allowing two runs -- one earned -- on four hits with two walks and five strikeouts. Meche surpassed the 200-inning mark, becoming the first Kansas City pitcher to do so since Darrell May threw 210 innings in 2003. He has not allowed more than three runs in each of his last eight starts.

Jason Smith tripled for Royals, who have won two of three.

Josh Fields doubled twice for the White Sox, who had won four of their previous five games.

Chicago starter Gavin Floyd (1-4) went six frames, surrendering three runs on nine hits with a walk and six strikeouts.

The Royals have dropped nine of their 13 matchups with Chicago this season.

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