Chicago ? Rookie J.P. Howell did something no other Kansas City pitcher has been able to accomplish this season: He beat the Chicago White Sox in their home ballpark.

Howell and three relievers combined on a two-hitter Thursday night as Kansas City stopped Chicago’s seven-game winning streak with a 4-2 victory.

“We don’t mail it in, ever. Whatever is driving these guys to finish the season … we just need to do that for another three weeks,” Royals manager Buddy Bell said.

In his third start since his recall from the minors, Howell switched speeds and allowed two hits in six strong innings. One of the runs he yielded came on Pablo Ozuna’s steal of home.

Against Chicago on June 22, Howell gave up five runs and seven hits over five innings in a loss.

Kansas City's Angel Berroa (4) is congratulated after he hit a two-run home run by teammate Terrence Long. The Royals beat the Chicago White Sox, 4-2, Thursday in Chicago.

“It seems like he’s grown up. It seems like he has so much confidence,” Bell said.

The Royals were 0-8 at Chicago this year before winning in their final road game against the White Sox this season. Kansas City is 3-12 against the White Sox overall.

“It wasn’t like it was easy, they didn’t hand it to us,” Howell said. “We are playing a lot better than how we were before. We are trying to figure it out.”

Angel Berroa hit a go-ahead, two-run homer and also squeezed in a run with a bunt.

“The at-bat before I hit the homer, so they didn’t expect me to bunt the ball,” Berroa said. “My boss gave me the sign, and I did the job.”

Howell, who has shuttled between Triple-A and the majors this season, outpitched Freddy Garcia (12-8) to get his first victory since his big-league debut June 11.

“The debut was the first one and this was the second one, so it’s been awhile,” Howell said. “A real long while, so I’m happy.”

Howell walked five and struck out five.

“It was a combination of us not swinging the bats and he was throwing it well,” Chicago’s Chris Widger said.

Andrew Sisco, Ambiorix Burgos and Mike MacDougal each pitched one hitless inning. MacDougal retired the side in the ninth for his 18th save in 21 chances.