The Chicago White Sox clinched a playoff spot on Thursday.

They beat the Kansas City Royals 9-1.

They are the first team ever to reach the postseason after two straight 100-loss seasons.

The win guarantees them at least one of the three AL wild-card spots.

Chicago can still win the AL Central.

The White Sox began the day one game behind the Cleveland Guardians.

Chicago has three games left at home against the last-place Colorado Rockies.

The Guardians finish their series in Boston, then play three games at Kansas City.

The White Sox win also eliminated Baltimore from postseason contention.

Kyle Teel homered and reached base five times.

Five different White Sox players drove in runs.

David Sandlin (3-2) gave up one run on five hits over six innings.

He faced the team that drafted him four years ago.

Randy Dobnak (3-5) allowed six runs, four earned, for Kansas City.

He also made two errors while retiring just four batters.

Salvador Perez homered for the Royals.

It was his 20th home run of the season, a club-record 10th time.

The White Sox improved to 82-77.

That is the most wins ever for a club coming off three straight 100-loss years.

They have won four of their last five games.

This is their first playoff appearance since 2021, and a division title is still possible.