CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox failed to finish off the series sweep when they were defeated 6-4 on Sunday by the Minnesota Twins.

How it happened: White Sox starter Hector Noesi gave up two second-inning runs and the Twins were off and running. Noesi finished by allowing five runs on eight hits over 6 2/3 innings. Jose Abreu and Conor Gillaspie had RBI singles for the White Sox, while Adrian Nieto hit his second home run. Abreu then hit a solo home run in the ninth inning, his 35th, giving him a home run in back-to-back games after not hitting one before that since Aug. 22. The 35 home runs tied Ron Kittle's White Sox rookie record set in 1983.

What it means: Despite the defeat, it was a successful homestand as the White Sox won five of the seven games, including three of four against the playoff-contending Oakland Athletics. Now come more contenders as the White Sox first travel to Kansas City for a three-game series that starts Monday. The Royals and Detroit Tigers are battling down the stretch for the American League Central title and the White Sox could have a say in how the division finishes with three games against Detroit before the season ends and seven against Kansas City.

Outside the box: The defeat officially ended the White Sox’s chances of winning the AL Central and also of earning the first wild card spot. They have an elimination number of one when it comes to the second wild card spot.

Off beat: it’s easy to bash Dayan Viciedo's defense and many have this season. To his credit, he made a nice sliding catch on the left-field foul line in the seventh inning. Viciedo’s start in left field came a day after he started at first base in the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader. The White Sox could be interested in tapping into any defensive versatility he could offer next season, especially if they go a different route in left field, but still want to keep his bat in the lineup as much as possible. Abreu still figures to get the most time at first base.

Up next: The White Sox will send left-hander John Danks (9-11, 5.05 ERA) to the mound Monday at Kansas City in the opener of a three-game series. The Royals will counter with right-hander James Shields (14-7, 3.13) in the 7:10 p.m. CST start from Kauffman Stadium.