White Sox hit 4 straight homers

The Chicago White Sox tied a major league record by hitting four consecutive homers against the Kansas City Royals in the sixth inning Thursday at Chicago.

Jim Thome hit a two-out, three-run homer and Paul Konerko and Alexei Ramirez followed with shots off reliever Joel Peralta. Robinson Tejeda relieved and Juan Uribe greeted him with another drive to give the White Sox a 9-2 lead. The four straight were a White Sox club record and marked the sixth time in major league history it has been accomplished.

Kotsay hits for cycle

Mark Kotsay hit a seventh-inning double off Chicago Cubs reliever Bob Howry in Atlanta to become the first Braves player to hit for the cycle since 1987.

Quentin plunked again

White Sox slugger Carlos Quentin became the only player since 1920 to be hit by a pitch in six straight games. Quentin, who leads the American League with 32 homers, has been plunked a major league-high 20 times this season.

Replay ready soon

Major league ballparks are being wired for instant replay, and commissioner Bud Selig said his “confidence is growing” that the technology to assist umpires will be ready soon.”

Selig was once a staunch opponent of replay.

Park openings set

The Yankees and Mets will inaugurate their new stadiums just two days apart in New York.

The Mets open Citi Field on April 14 against San Diego. The new Yankee Stadium will open on April 16 hosting Cleveland.

Clearing the bases

Ten of baseball’s 30 first-round draft picks were unsigned heading into today’s midnight deadline. … Brad Penny was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Los Angeles Dodgers. … Atlanta rookie pitcher Francisley Bueno was handed his first major league fine and suspension one day after he made his big league debut for intentionally throwing a pitch at Alfonso Soriano’s head on Wednesday. … Chicago Cubs minor leaguers Jesse Lebron and second baseman Alexander Mejia were suspended for 50 games each after testing positive under baseball’s minor league drug program.