KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Royals started 2004 even more dramatically than 2003.

Mendy Lopez tied the game with a three-run homer and Carlos Beltran won it with a two-run shot, capping a six-run ninth inning that led the Royals over the Chicago White Sox 9-7 Monday.

Before 41,575 -- the largest opening-day crowd in Kansas City history -- the White Sox took a 7-3 lead into the ninth in Ozzie Guillen's first game as White Sox manager.

Benito Santiago, who had three RBIs in his Royals' debut, hit an RBI double in the ninth off Billy Koch after Cliff Politte walked the first two batters. Lopez homered with one out off loser Damaso Marte to tie it at 7, and Beltran hit the winning drive.

D.J. Carrasco was the winner, pitching a perfect ninth inning. Two-time AL MVP Juan Gonzalez singled in his first two at-bats for the Royals and went 2-for-4.

Kansas City got off to a 9-0 start last year, beating Chicago 3-0 in the opener on a three-hitter, the Royals' first opening-day shutout. Kansas City went on to win 16 of its first 19, staying in contention until the final week of the season, and finished 83-79, its first winning record since 1994.

Entering a season filled with hope, a standing-room-only crowd packed Kauffman Stadium on Monday under balmy skies and light winds. The big crowd roared in the seventh inning when a foul ball off the bat of Ken Harvey hit Slugger, the Royals' popular mascot. who was dancing atop the Kansas City dugout. Slugger was unhurt.

The national anthem was performed by the Christian band Mercy Me and was followed by the fly-in of Challenger, the bald eagle from the American Eagle Foundation. Challenger is the only bald eagle in U.S. history trained to free-fly in major league sports venues.

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Royals Keep Family Close On Opening Day

In pregame ceremonies, Royals manager Tony Pena was honored for his AL Manager of the Year award, as was shortstop Angel Berroa for his selection as AL Rookie of the Year.

Mark Buehrle, making his third straight opening-day start, gave up three runs and eight hits in six 2-3 innings. Royals starter Brian Anderson gave up five runs and seven hits in five innings.

Sandy Alomar Jr. and Carlos Lee hit solo homers, and Paul Konerko keyed a four-run second inning with a two-run double off Anderson, making his first opening day start.

Alomar added an RBI single in the seventh inning. He and Konerko each had three hits and two RBIs.

Kansas City's Desi Relaford left in the third inning after pulling his left hamstring going into first base on what probably could have been a double down the left-field line.

Fans Notice Changes At Stadium

Fans who showed up for the big game at Kauffman Stadium noticed several changes. There is a new surround-sound system and the outfield fences have been moved back 10 feet. The K also has a new grass field that was installed over the winter.

Security has also been stepped-up at the stadium.

New Security Procedures

All bags and packages carried into the stadium will be inspected.

Random guests could be subject to search.

The Royals will enforce a no re-entry policy. If a fan leaves the secure area of the stadium, he/she will not be allowed to re-enter.

Large bags, coolers, alcoholic beverages or other liquid containers are not allowed in the ballpark. Fans can take food and water into the stadium as long as they are in transparent plastic containers that don't exceed 16-by-16-by-8 inches.

Fan Information:

Printable Royals Schedule

Tickets

Ballpark Seating

New Security Procedures