The Chicago White Sox jumped out to an early lead then hung on for a 4-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday.

The Sox built a 4-0 lead after four innings. A.J. Pierzynski and Gordon Beckham had RBI singles and Juan Pierre added another run in a three-run third, then Alexei Ramirez singled in the fourth to make it 4-0.

Chicago was cruising along comfortably until the fifth, when Kansas City scored three runs. Wilson Betemit had an RBI double and Scott Podsednik drove in two with a single to bring the Royals within one at 4-3.

White Sox starter Gavin Floyd went 6 2/3 innings to get the win. Floyd (3-7) allowed three runs – two earned – on seven hits while striking out two.

Floyd has given up just five earned runs in his last 35 2/3 innings and has dropped his ERA from 6.64 on June 1 to 4.80. Despite his excellent pitching the win is just his first since May 22.

Kansas City starter Brian Bannister took the loss. He only lasted four innings, surrendering eight hits and two walks while being responsible for all four runs. He struck out four and saw his record drop to 7-6.

J.J. Putz recorded the final four outs to notch his second save of the season.