K.C. masterpiece for Buerhle

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – There might be a welcome consolation prize for the White Sox if left-handed ace Mark Buehrle isn’t selected to the All-Star Game.

It’s the chance to keep Buehrle fresh for the second half of the season.

Buehrle shut down the Kansas City Royals for 8 1/3 innings Thursday night as the Sox extended their season-high winning streak to six games with a 4-1 victory.

The Sox (41-38) moved into sole possession of second place, 2 1/2 games behind AL Central leader Detroit.

Momentum continues to swell for the Sox, who have won eight of their last nine. They also have won their last six road games.

Buehrle has at least one start left before the All-Star break. The Sox could elect to adjust the rotation so that he would have two more starts before the break.

Buehrle (8-2) has allowed a total of one run in two of his last three starts. Against a Royals team that ranked 13th in the AL in batting average, Buehrle allowed one runner to reach second base through the first eight innings.

Buehrle lost his shutout bid when David DeJesus hit a bloop double to score Alberto Callaspo with one out in the ninth.

The Sox took no chances as closer Bobby Jenks came in to retire the final two batters to earn his 19th save.

The Sox’s master plan coming out of spring training hasn’t followed the original script, but the results are becoming more positive.

Jayson Nix, starting Thursday night in place of injured shortstop Alexei Ramirez and making his third consecutive start at his third position, led off the fourth with a home run. Nix is 5-for-13 in the three starts, and 12 of his 21 hits this year have gone for extra bases.

Nix, making his fourth start at shortstop, fielded his position flawlessly.

The Sox added another run in the seventh. Jim Thome’s line drive skidded past DeJesus for a double to left field.

Paul Konerko hit a line drive to right, but Thome had to hold up until Konerko’s ball landed in front of right fielder Jose Guillen, so he advanced only to third.