(Reuters) - The Chicago White Sox outslugged the visiting New York Yankees 9-6 to snap a three-game losing streak and claim the series opener between the division leaders on Monday.

The White Sox showed they could keep pace with the Bronx Bombers, bashing three late home runs to get back on track after a surprise series sweep against the Kansas City Royals.

Trailing 6-5 in the sixth, Gordon Beckham hit the first of the three decisive blasts to tie the game.

Alexei Ramirez the followed up with a two-run shot in the seventh and Adam Dunn punctuated the Chicago victory in the next with his Major League-leading 36th homer of the season.

The win stretched Chicago's (66-55) American League Central lead to two games over Detroit while New York's (72-50) edge in the AL East was reduced to four games.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by John O'Brien)