Harold Baines and Tim Hulett hit RBI singles in a four-run second inning and Richard Dotson recovered from a shaky start yesterday, leading the Chicago White Sox to a 5-4 opening day victory over the Kansas City Royals.

Dotson gave up eight hits and four runs in 61/3 innings. Bobby Thigpen pitched 21/3 innings and Bob James got the final out for a save.

Danny Jackson was the loser, giving up five runs in 61/3 innings.

Bo Jackson, Kansas City's celebrated rookie, went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.

Reds 11, Expos 5

Terry Francona and Barry Larkin hit two-run homers in a nine-run fourth inning yesterday that powered the Cincinnati Reds to an 11-5 victory over the Montreal Expos in the traditional National League opener.

Eric Davis went 3-for-3 with a homer, drove in two runs, stole two bases and scored three times as the Reds overcame a 5-1 third-inning deficit.

Cincinnati sent 12 batters to the plate against loser Floyd Youmans and two relievers in the fourth.