Mark Buehrle pitched seven strong innings to lead the Chicago White Sox to a 5-2 victory in Kansas City on Monday night.

Buehrle (7-5) scattered five hits, three coming in the fifth inning when Kansas City tied the game at 2 on an RBI single by Melky Cabrera and a run-scoring double from Billy Butler.

The White Sox quickly regained the upper hand in the sixth on an RBI groundout by Mark Teahen and Juan Pierre single, and Buehrle retired the last seven batters he faced. Both Chicago runs in the sixth came after a throwing error by Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar ruined what would have been an inning-ending double play.

The White Sox added an insurance run in the eighth when pinch runner Brent Lillibridge stole second, took third on a wild pitch and came home on a Gordon Beckham groundout. Only two of Chicago's runs were scored on hits, including an RBI double by Paul Konerko in the third.

Jesse Crain pitched a perfect eighth and Sergio Santos set the Royals down in order in the ninth. Kansas City starter Kyle Davies (1-9) gave up four runs, with the two decisive runs both unearned, in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out nine while walking three and allowing five hits.