Mitch Maier’s two-run single keyed a five-run seventh inning, leading the Kansas City Royals to a 6-1 series-opening win over the Chicago White Sox on Friday.

With the game squared at 1-1, Kansas City opened the seventh with five straight singles, including Maier’s two-run base hit to knock Chicago starter Mark Buehrle out of the game.

The Royals managed two more runs on an RBI single from Jason Kendall and another when third baseman Mark Teahan committed an error that allowed Maier to come home.

Dusty Hughes (1-1) picked up the win with one inning in relief of starter Gil Meche.

Meche is still searching for his first victory of the season. He took a no-decision with six effective innings, allowing five hits and one run with four strikeouts.

Jose Guillen added two hits and an RBI for the Royals, while Yuniesky Betancourt had a solo home run.

Buehrle (2-5) took the loss after allowing eight hits and five earned runs with no walks or strikeouts and is winless over his past six starts.