Recap: Chicago WSox vs. Kansas City

Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Tyler Flowers supplied the game's only run with a solo homer in the fifth inning to lift the Chicago White Sox past fellow American League Central foe Kansas City, 1-0, in the 2013 opener for both squads.

Chris Sale, making his first career Opening Day start, pitched 7 2/3 innings and struck out seven batters while walking one and allowing seven hits for the White Sox, who finished second in the division with an 85-77 record.

Sale (1-0) broke out in 2012 with a 17-8 record to go along with a 3.05 ERA while making his first All-Star appearance. Alex Rios and Alexei Ramirez each had two hits in the victory.

"That was fun, it was exciting," Sale said. "It was everything I thought it would be and more. I did a real good job of kind of collecting myself and not getting too amped up too early or too late and it ended up being a pretty good day."

James Shields (0-1), who was acquired with Wade Davis from Tampa Bay this past offseason, pitched well for Kansas City, allowing one run on eight hits.

The Royals are once again looking to make a push with young talent. Alcides Escobar and Jeff Francoeur each supplied two hits in the setback.

Kansas City went 72-90 last season.

"Oh, man, dynamic pitching on both sides all day," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "Sale was phenomenal, James Shields was phenomenal. The difference in the game was one high changeup. That was it."

Flowers led off the fifth inning with a shot to left-center field on a 2-2 pitch. The Chicago weather, and a solid pitching effort, helped the White Sox control the contest from there.

The Royals didn't threaten until the eighth as Escobar singled with two outs. Nate Jones then came in to replace Sale, but Escobar stole second and Billy Butler worked a walk. Escobar took third on a wild pitch.

Matt Thornton came in to relieve Jones and did his job, striking out Mike Moustakas to end the inning.

Addison Reed worked the ninth to pick up the save.