Munetaka Murakami powers White Sox into clash vs. Royals

After earning their third series victory in the past four, the Chicago White Sox are eager to take on the visiting Kansas City Royals in the opener of a three-game set on Tuesday night.

"Everybody knows that we have a really good group, a lot of talent here, and we're just putting the pieces together and growing up as a team," Chicago closer Seranthony Dominguez said.

The Royals are the only fellow American League Central foe the White Sox have faced this season, with the clubs splitting four games in Kansas City from April 9-12.

Chicago was swept by Tampa Bay in the ensuing series but has found its stride since then, picking up 13 victories in its past 21 games.

An effective pitching staff and infield power have keyed the run. First baseman Munetaka Murakami entered the week with 15 home runs, one off the major-league lead, with shortstop Colson Montgomery (10) and third baseman Miguel Vargas (nine) trailing Murakami.

"Everyone wants to win. Everyone wants to be better," reliever Bryan Hudson said. "We are all just bouncing (stuff) off each other. It's a really good atmosphere to get better in. ... It gives you something a little bit more to play for when you are playing for someone else aside from yourself. You want to back your teammate, and when you are not in there anymore, they do the same for you."

Murakami has homered in a major-league record eight straight series openers.

Tuesday marks the beginning of a six-game road trip for the Royals, who went 4-3 against division rivals Cleveland and Detroit last week.

Kansas City failed to sweep Detroit over the weekend, losing 6-3 on Sunday despite Maikel Garcia's 3-for-3 effort and two-hit games from Bobby Witt and Vinnie Pasquantino.

"We played good baseball and won the series," Garcia said. "Now, we'll try to play good on the road."

Right-hander Stephen Kolek (1-0, 4.50 ERA) is set to get the call for Kansas City. Kolek, who was rehabbing from a strained left oblique he sustained in spring training, earned a victory against Cleveland in his season debut May 5.

He scattered three runs and four hits in six innings with three strikeouts and zero walks.

"The rehab process was great, and it's been really smooth," Kolek said. "They say that obliques can linger quite a bit and be tricky to navigate, but I feel like we've done a great job of staying healthy and progressing each week."

Chicago will turn to righty Erick Fedde, who largely has pitched effectively in seven appearances, including five starts, but remains in search of his first victory this season.

Fedde (0-4, 3.79) surrendered a solo shot to Garcia on April 11, the only run he allowed in five innings, but took the loss in a 2-0 Royals victory. He is coming off a road loss to the Los Angeles Angels on May 5, when he allowed four runs and six hits -- including three homers -- in 4 2/3 innings.

Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez is expected to return to the lineup after getting the day off Sunday.