Billy Butler homered and drove in two runs and Jose Guillen belted a three-run homer as the Kansas City Royals withstood a late rally to hold on for a 7-6 win over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.

The Royals built up a 7-1 advantage through seven innings in support of starter Zack Greinke, only to watch their ace nearly give it all back.

Juan Pierre singled in a run, Brent Lillibridge cleared the bases with a three-run triple and Alex Rios brought in a run on a groundout all with one away during a five-run eighth.

Greinke (4-8) got out of the jam by retiring the last two batters of the inning to pick up his season-high third straight win despite being charged with all the runs on 10 hits.

Last year’s AL Cy Young winner gave way in the ninth to Joakim Soria, who needed just six pitches to set down the side for his 20th save.

Alberto Callaspo and Yuniesky Betancourt each drove in a run in the sixth for the Royals as they grabbed a 3-1 lead. An inning later, Butler single in a run and Guillen went deep for the hefty advantage.

White Sox starter Jake Peavy (7-6) was charged with three runs on seven hits over six innings.