By The Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Zack Greinke struck out a career-high 10 and allowed two hits in eight innings, leading the Kansas City Royals over the Chicago White Sox 3-0 Thursday.

Greinke (7-6), making his sixth start since rejoining the rotation on Aug. 24, allowed just one runner past first base and became the first Kansas City pitcher to reach double digits in strikeouts since Odalis Perez fanned 10 against Boston on Sept. 8 last year.

Joakim Soria followed with a perfect ninth for his 17th save in 21 chances as Kansas City (66-86) moved back ahead of Chicago (66-87) and out of last place in the AL Central.

Jon Garland (9-13) gave up three runs and six hits in eight innings for the White Sox. He had been 8-1 with a 2.43 ERA in his previous 11 starts against the Royals.