CHICAGO — On a wild day at Wrigley Field when Kerry Wood retired, Paul Konerko got hit in the face with a pitch and manager Dale Sveum was ejected, the Chicago White Sox added to their recent success against the Cubs.

Gordon Beckham hit a tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning and the White Sox beat the Cubs 3-2 Friday, their 16th win in the last 22 interleague games against their crosstown rivals.

“I think that was more than the typical game. It seemed like there was a lot of stuff going on,” Beckham said.

Beckham’s solo shot and a two-run drive by Konerko in the first were the only runs allowed by Cubs starter Jeff Samardzija (4-2).

Konerko sustained a laceration above his left eye and swelling when he was hit by Samardzija’s pitch in the third inning and had to leave the game. He was to have more tests to determine the extent of the injury and his status for the remainder of the series.

“You never want that for anybody that you’re playing with or anybody on their team.

You never want to see anybody hit in the head. It was pretty scary. He walked off, so we figured he was OK,” Beckham said.

White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski said he went to the clubhouse to check on Konerko.

“I saw him before he left,” Pierzynski said. “His eye was pretty swelled up, but he was pretty cognizant, didn’t say he was dizzy or anything. I’ve seen him get hit before and go to first. I was a little scared when he didn’t get right up, but he seemed fine and we’ll see how he feels tomorrow.”

Samardzija, who came to the plate to check on Konerko, said he wasn’t trying to hit the White Sox star.

“It’s unfortunate. There’re a lot of superstars that put up big numbers, get paid a lot of money and Paulie’s one of those guys who is a superstar and does it the right way.

There’s not too many of those guys out there. He’s not about show or about himself,” Samardzija said.

“Paulie’s a good guy and that ball got away and unfortunately hit him up high. If I could take it back, I would. The only thing that makes me OK about it is he’s a tough guy. I hope he’ll be all right.”

White Sox starter Phil Humber threw high behind Cubs cleanup hitter Bryan LaHair in the fourth, prompting a warning from plate umpire Tim Timmons.

Sveum, ejected in the fifth for arguing a call at second base, reiterated the Cubs weren’t trying to hit Konerko, especially since it was a splitter from Samardzija. And he said if Humber’s pitch was indeed retaliation, he would have appreciated it being thrown much lower.

“That one just got away from me and just one of those things that happens during a game,” Humber said.

Wood, who began his major league career with the Cubs in 1998 and struck out 20 Houston Astros batters in his fifth major league start, took the mound to rousing cheers after word got out that he intended to retire after the game. When he struck out Dayan Viciedo on three pitches — the only batter Wood faced — he was taken out as teammates congratulated him on the mound and Dunn doffed his batting helmet and clapped from first base.

The 34-year-old Wood, hampered by injuries this season and throughout his career, left to a standing ovation and was hugged by his son as he reached the dugout. Moments later, Wood emerged for a curtain call, waving his cap to fans as James Russell threw warmup pitches.

Wood played slightly more than 13 seasons in the big leagues, most of them with the Cubs.

“It’s time,” he said afterward.

Konerko’s 19th career homer in 66 games against the Cubs came one out after a first-inning single by Beckham and made it 2-0.

But the Cubs responded in the bottom half. David DeJesus led off with a fly-ball double into the ivy in left field and Tony Campana had a bunt single when Humber slipped down trying to field it. Campana then stole second before Starlin Castro’s long sacrifice fly made it 2-1 and sent Campana to third. Humber then struck out LaHair and got Alfonso Soriano to fly out.

The Cubs tied it in the seventh when Ian Stewart led off with a single and one out later Darwin Barney doubled to finish Humber after just 66 pitches. Matt Thornton (2-3) came in and Samardzija bounced his first pitch through the left side for an RBI single to tie the game and put runners at first and third. DeJesus popped out and so did Campana on a bunt attempt, ending the inning.

Samardzija allowed six hits and three runs in 7 1-3 innings with two walks and eight strikeouts.  

Humber gave up five hits and two runs in 6 1-3 innings. He is 0-2 with three no-decisions since pitching a perfect game against Seattle on April 21.

Addison Reed got his fourth save in four chances with a scoreless ninth that included a double by Barney when White Sox right fielder Alex Rios lost his two-out fly in the sun.

NOTES: White Sox 3B Brent Morel was a late scratch with a sore back that has bothered him off and on this season. He was replaced by Eduardo Escobar. … Cubs C Geovany Soto will have surgery on a torn meniscus in his left knee and will miss three to four weeks. … The Cubs called up catcher Blake Lalli from Triple-A Iowa and optioned struggling right-hander Chris Volstad (0-6) to their top farm club.

CHICAGO (AP) On a wild day at Wrigley Field when Kerry Wood retired, Paul Konerko got hit in the face with a pitch and manager Dale Sveum was ejected, the Chicago White Sox added to their recent success against the Cubs.

Gordon Beckham hit a tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning and the White Sox beat the Cubs 3-2 Friday, their 16th win in the last 22 interleague games against their crosstown rivals.

”I think that was more than the typical game. It seemed like there was a lot of stuff going on,” Beckham said.

Beckham’s solo shot and a two-run drive by Konerko in the first were the only runs allowed by Cubs starter Jeff Samardzija (4-2).

Konerko sustained a laceration above his left eye and swelling when he was hit by Samardzija’s pitch in the third inning and had to leave the game. He was to have more tests to determine the extent of the injury and his status for the remainder of the series.

”You never want that for anybody that you’re playing with or anybody on their team. You never want to see anybody hit in the head. It was pretty scary. He walked off, so we figured he was OK,” Beckham said.

White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski said he went to the clubhouse to check on Konerko.

”I saw him before he left,” Pierzynski said. ”His eye was pretty swelled up, but he was pretty cognizant, didn’t say he was dizzy or anything. I’ve seen him get hit before and go to first. I was a little scared when he didn’t get right up, but he seemed fine and we’ll see how he feels tomorrow.”

Samardzija, who came to the plate to check on Konerko, said he wasn’t trying to hit the White Sox star.

”It’s unfortunate. There’re a lot of superstars that put up big numbers, get paid a lot of money and Paulie’s one of those guys who is a superstar and does it the right way. There’s not too many of those guys out there. He’s not about show or about himself,” Samardzija said.

”Paulie’s a good guy and that ball got away and unfortunately hit him up high. If I could take it back, I would. The only thing that makes me OK about it is he’s a tough guy. I hope he’ll be all right.”

White Sox starter Phil Humber threw high behind Cubs cleanup hitter Bryan LaHair in the fourth, prompting a warning from plate umpire Tim Timmons.

Sveum, ejected in the fifth for arguing a call at second base, reiterated the Cubs weren’t trying to hit Konerko, especially since it was a splitter from Samardzija. And he said if Humber’s pitch was indeed retaliation, he would have appreciated it being thrown much lower.

”That one just got away from me and just one of those things that happens during a game,” Humber said.

Wood, who began his major league career with the Cubs in 1998 and struck out 20 Houston Astros batters in his fifth major league start, took the mound to rousing cheers after word got out that he intended to retire after the game. When he struck out Dayan Viciedo on three pitches – the only batter Wood faced – he was taken out as teammates congratulated him on the mound and Dunn doffed his batting helmet and clapped from first base.

The 34-year-old Wood, hampered by injuries this season and throughout his career, left to a standing ovation and was hugged by his son as he reached the dugout. Moments later, Wood emerged for a curtain call, waving his cap to fans as James Russell threw warmup pitches.

Wood played slightly more than 13 seasons in the big leagues, most of them with the Cubs.

”It’s time,” he said afterward.

Konerko’s 19th career homer in 66 games against the Cubs came one out after a first-inning single by Beckham and made it 2-0.

But the Cubs responded in the bottom half. David DeJesus led off with a fly-ball double into the ivy in left field and Tony Campana had a bunt single when Humber slipped down trying to field it. Campana then stole second before Starlin Castro’s long sacrifice fly made it 2-1 and sent Campana to third. Humber then struck out LaHair and got Alfonso Soriano to fly out.

The Cubs tied it in the seventh when Ian Stewart led off with a single and one out later Darwin Barney doubled to finish Humber after just 66 pitches. Matt Thornton (2-3) came in and Samardzija bounced his first pitch through the left side for an RBI single to tie the game and put runners at first and third. DeJesus popped out and so did Campana on a bunt attempt, ending the inning.

Samardzija allowed six hits and three runs in 7 1-3 innings with two walks and eight strikeouts.

Humber gave up five hits and two runs in 6 1-3 innings. He is 0-2 with three no-decisions since pitching a perfect game against Seattle on April 21.

Addison Reed got his fourth save in four chances with a scoreless ninth that included a double by Barney when White Sox right fielder Alex Rios lost his two-out fly in the sun.

NOTES: White Sox 3B Brent Morel was a late scratch with a sore back that has bothered him off and on this season. He was replaced by Eduardo Escobar. … Cubs C Geovany Soto will have surgery on a torn meniscus in his left knee and will miss three to four weeks. … The Cubs called up catcher Blake Lalli from Triple-A Iowa and optioned struggling right-hander Chris Volstad (0-6) to their top farm club.

Are we about to witness the end of Kerry Wood? The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Wood is expected to announce his retirement after his next outing, which could come against the Chicago White Sox on May 18, 2012. The Chicago Cubs wouldn’t immediately confirm this report.

Wood has battled injuries throughout most of spring training and the regular season. He has an 8.64 ERA and 2.28 WHIP in nine appearances. Only two of those appearances were clean innings (no hits or walks), one of which required one out. Wood displayed his frustrations when he tossed his glove and cap into the Wrigley Field crowd and went off on a reporter when he was questioned about that incident.

Honestly, I can’t say that I’d be disappointed with this announcement. I’m appreciative of what Wood gave this organization heading into 2012. However, there’s no disputing that he’s a shell of his former self. It’s time for both parties to move on. I just hope this doesn’t become a situation where he “Retires and unretires” because he’s overreacting to his poor start.

The departure of Wood would mean that the Cubs’ bullpen would have another vacancy. Carlos Marmol and Lendy Castillo are already on the disabled list. Castillo is basically unusable even when he’s healthy. The Cubs could have another opening if Casey Coleman or Travis Wood were promoted into the starting rotation after Chris Volstad lasted two innings against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 17.

I feel like this would be a good opportunity to move Volstad into the bullpen. A starting pitcher can surrender three earned runs through six innings (4.50 ERA) to reach the minimum qualifications for a quality start. By this definition, Volstad hasn’t had a quality season as a starting pitcher since his 2008 rookie season. The Cubs have lost all eight of Volstad’s starts as he’s 0-6 with a 7.46 ERA.

The worst case scenario for moving Volstad into the bullpen is that he flops. The Cubs could simply demote him to Triple-A Iowa. The Cubs could always keep him on the 25-man roster if another team tried to snatch him off of waivers. I wouldn’t consider it as a significant loss if he were claimed by another franchise and the Cubs allowed him to walk.

I hope that Wood enjoys whatever he does when his career is officially over. Maybe he’ll remain with the organization as some type of symbolic figure? I’m not really into that type of stuff but if it makes him happy then so be it.

Joshua Huffman grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula as a Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs enthusiast. He immediately gained an admiration for Cubs fans after watching numerous games on WGN during the mid-90s. His favorite Cubs moment was Kerry Wood’s(notes) 1-hitter, 20K extravaganza that was only denied of a no-hitter by Kevin Orie’s defensive blunder. As a Packers and Cubs fan, he suffered through Steve Bartman and “4th & 26″ in a span of three months. He can be found on Twitter HERE.

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The Indians look to take the final game of their series against the Chicago White Sox tonight. First pitch is at 7:05. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes @hoynsie or click here for a live game box score. You can also download our Cleveland Indians app for Android to get Tribe updates on your mobile device. Read on for a game preview.
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(AP) — The Chicago White Sox pulled out a rare win their last time out behind Alex Rios’ clutch display at the plate.

They seem to have a good chance of salvaging a four-game split against the Cleveland Indians with Jake Peavy taking the hill Wednesday night at Progressive Field.

After getting swept in Monday’s day-night doubleheader, the White Sox (14-17) posted their fourth victory in 15 games Tuesday with a 5-3, 10-inning win. Mired in an 8-for-47 (.170) slump over his previous 12 games, Rios broke out by going 3 for 4 with a go-ahead triple in the 10th.

“I was just trying to hit the ball hard somewhere and it worked out pretty good,” said Rios, batting .370 over his last eight games in Cleveland.

Peavy (3-1,1.99 ERA), who’s received an average of just 2.81 runs of support over his last three starts, would surely love to see Rios’ momentum carry over.

After a couple of injury-plagued campaigns in Chicago, it’s safe to say Peavy is finally living up to expectations. Six days after allowing four hits while recording his second consecutive complete game in a 1-0 loss to Boston, the 2007 NL Cy Young winner gave up three runs over 7 2-3 innings of Friday’s 5-4 walk-off loss at Detroit.

Holding opponents to a .177 average, Peavy has thrown at least 107 pitches in four consecutive starts. His 122 pitches against the Tigers matched his highest total since May 17, 2009.

While his numbers leave little to be desired, a heavy workload has some concerned about how the oft-injured right-hander will hold up as the season wears on.

“I’m going to be sore, there’s no doubt about it,” Peavy, who skipped this week’s normal bullpen session, told the team’s official website. “But I felt good enough to finish the inning. I wanted to finish the inning. It’s a non-issue with our coaching staff and training staff. I feel the way I feel.”

Peavy had gone 1-3 with a 5.00 ERA over his first six starts against the Indians before throwing a three-hitter with eight strikeouts in a 1-0 win May 18.

Shin-Soo Choo and Asdrubal Cabrera are a combined 9 for 24 (.375) lifetime against Peavy, each taking him deep once.

Winner of six of eight, Cleveland (17-12) tied Tuesday’s game with a three-run, eighth-inning rally before closer Chris Perez gave up the winning runs. Perez had allowed just one run over his previous 13 appearances spanning 12 innings.

“This is baseball. I was never going to give up another run again? Come on,” he said. “It’s baseball. I gave up two hits. We lost, It stinks, especially after we battled back. What are you going to do?”

The Indians look to bounce back behind Jeanmar Gomez (2-1, 2.82), who’s also impressed early this season. The right-hander is coming off his second victory, throwing seven innings of three-run ball during Friday’s 6-3 win over Texas.

“Gomez was terrific against such a great lineup,” manager Manny Acta said.

Gomez, who struck out three over two scoreless innings of relief against the White Sox in his season debut, won both his career starts in this series last season while compiling a 2.25 ERA.

The Chicago White Sox pulled out a rare win their last time out behind Alex Rios‘ clutch display at the plate.

They seem to have a good chance of salvaging a four-game split against the Cleveland Indians with Jake Peavy taking the hill Wednesday night at Progressive Field.

After getting swept in Monday’s day-night doubleheader, the White Sox (14-17) posted their fourth victory in 15 games Tuesday with a 5-3, 10-inning win. Mired in an 8-for-47 (.170) slump over his previous 12 games, Rios broke out by going 3 for 4 with a go-ahead triple in the 10th.

“I was just trying to hit the ball hard somewhere and it worked out pretty good,” said Rios, batting .370 over his last eight games in Cleveland.

Peavy (3-1,1.99 ERA), who’s received an average of just 2.81 runs of support over his last three starts, would surely love to see Rios’ momentum carry over.

After a couple of injury-plagued campaigns in Chicago, it’s safe to say Peavy is finally living up to expectations. Six days after allowing four hits while recording his second consecutive complete game in a 1-0 loss to Boston, the 2007 NL Cy Young winner gave up three runs over 7 2-3 innings of Friday’s 5-4 walk-off loss at Detroit.

Holding opponents to a .177 average, Peavy has thrown at least 107 pitches in four consecutive starts. His 122 pitches against the Tigers matched his highest total since May 17, 2009.

While his numbers leave little to be desired, a heavy workload has some concerned about how the oft-injured right-hander will hold up as the season wears on.

“I’m going to be sore, there’s no doubt about it,” Peavy, who skipped this week’s normal bullpen session, told the team’s official website. “But I felt good enough to finish the inning. I wanted to finish the inning. It’s a non-issue with our coaching staff and training staff. I feel the way I feel.”

Peavy had gone 1-3 with a 5.00 ERA over his first six starts against the Indians before throwing a three-hitter with eight strikeouts in a 1-0 win May 18.

Shin-Soo Choo and Asdrubal Cabrera are a combined 9 for 24 (.375) lifetime against Peavy, each taking him deep once.

Winner of six of eight, Cleveland (17-12) tied Tuesday’s game with a three-run, eighth-inning rally before closer Chris Perez gave up the winning runs. Perez had allowed just one run over his previous 13 appearances spanning 12 innings.

“This is baseball. I was never going to give up another run again? Come on,” he said. “It’s baseball. I gave up two hits. We lost, It stinks, especially after we battled back. What are you going to do?”

The Indians look to bounce back behind Jeanmar Gomez (2-1, 2.82), who’s also impressed early this season. The right-hander is coming off his second victory, throwing seven innings of three-run ball during Friday’s 6-3 win over Texas.

“Gomez was terrific against such a great lineup,” manager Manny Acta said.

Gomez, who struck out three over two scoreless innings of relief against the White Sox in his season debut, won both his career starts in this series last season while compiling a 2.25 ERA.

DETROIT — Tigers manager Jim Leyland altered the lineup a bit, hoping to boost his team’s offense.

Turned out Detroit didn’t need too many runs with Rick Porcello on the mound.

Porcello pitched impressively into the seventh inning and Detroit beat the Chicago White Sox 3-1 on Sunday. The Tigers left 12 runners on base, but solo homers by Austin Jackson, Prince Fielder and Andy Dirks provided all the scoring they needed.

“I felt like the ball’s been coming out of my hand good as far as my fastball having life and that sort of thing,” Porcello said.

“I think just trying to slow everything down has been the main thing that I continue to keep working on.”

Fielder’s 432-foot shot to right-center — his fourth homer of the year — broke a 1-all tie in the third. Jackson homered for the Tigers in the first after Adam Dunn gave Chicago an early lead with a solo shot in the top half.

Dirks batted second and fellow outfielder Brennan Boesch was dropped to eighth. The Tigers had 10 hits but could never quite break the game open. Alex Avila hit into a double play with runners on first and third to end the fifth. Dirks popped out to end the sixth with runners on second and third.

With the bases loaded and two outs in the seventh, Boesch hit a routine fly.

“It’s good to get a lot of runners on base,” Dirks said. “We didn’t quite get the hit when we needed it today, but we’re coming around.”

Dirks finally added an insurance run with his homer to right in the eighth.

Porcello (3-2) allowed a run and four hits in 6 1-3 innings. Four relievers finished for the Tigers, with Jose Valverde pitching the ninth for his fifth save.

The Tigers were held to three or fewer runs for the fourth time in six games.

“The key today was, if we get the pitching like we got the last couple of games, I’ll be happy, because we’re going to hit at some point,” Leyland said. “We got some hits today, we just didn’t get a lot of big ones.”

Dylan Axelrod (0-1) allowed two runs and six hits in 4 1-3 innings. The 26-year-old made his first start of the season for the White Sox, part of a pitching shuffle that moved Chris Sale from starter to closer.

With a doubleheader coming up Monday at Cleveland, Chicago optioned Axelrod to Triple-A Charlotte after the game. Left-hander Eric Stults will come up from the minors to start the second game Monday, and the White Sox are also expected to add a reliever.

Axelrod struck out four and walked two.

“He pitched his guts out today,” White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. “We’re trying to figure out how to fill that hole in the rotation, and today was a good step for him. He made a couple mistakes against a very good offense, but he battled through a lot of things and gave us a chance to win the game.”

The first two games of this series were won on two-run homers in the ninth inning — by Detroit’s Jhonny Peralta on Friday night and Dunn on Saturday. All the runs in the finale came via the long ball, but Valverde held onto the lead this time after allowing Dunn’s homer a day earlier.

Valverde gave up a hit and a walk but struck out Gordon Beckham to end it.

Dunn’s solo shot in the first was his ninth homer of the season, but that was all the scoring for the White Sox. Porcello struck out five and walked two.

Jackson led off the bottom of the first with his fourth homer of the year.

Chicago outfielder Dayan Viciedo left in the seventh after being hit in the right elbow with a pitch. X-rays were negative and he is day to day.

NOTES: Detroit optioned RHP Brayan Villarreal to Triple-A Toledo to make room for RHP Doug Fister (0-0), who will return from a left side strain Monday night and start at Seattle against Blake Beavan (1-3) of the Mariners. … Stults (0-0) will face Cleveland’s Josh Tomlin (1-2) on Monday. Chicago RHP Phil Humber (1-1) takes on Zach McAllister (0-0) in the opener of the doubleheader. … Dunn’s homer was his 374th, tying Rocky Colavito for 69th on the career list. … Leyland won his 1,602nd game, tying Fred Clarke for 16th.

Prince Fielder homered and Rick Porcello pitched impressively into the seventh inning to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 3-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.  

Fielder’s 432-foot shot to right-center — his fourth of the year — broke a 1-all tie in the third. Austin Jackson homered for the Tigers in the first after Adam Dunn gave Chicago an early lead with a solo shot in the top half.  

Andy Dirks added a home run for Detroit in the eighth.  

Porcello (3-2) allowed a run and four hits in 6 1-3 innings. Four relievers finished for the Tigers, with Jose Valverde pitching the ninth for his fifth save.  

Dylan Axelrod (0-1) allowed two runs and six hits in 4 1-3 innings.

The first two games of this series were won on two-run homers in the ninth inning — by Detroit’s Jhonny Peralta on Friday night and Dunn on Saturday. All the runs in the finale came via the long ball, but Valverde held onto the lead this time after allowing Dunn’s homer a day earlier.  

Valverde gave up a hit and a walk Sunday but struck out Gordon Beckham to end it.  

Dunn’s solo shot in the first was his ninth homer of the season, but that was all the scoring for the White Sox. Porcello struck out five and walked two.  

Jackson led off the bottom of the first with his fourth homer of the year.  

Detroit manager Jim Leyland altered his lineup a bit to try to boost the offense. Dirks batted second and fellow outfielder Brennan Boesch was dropped to eighth.  

The Tigers had 10 hits but left 12 runners on base. Alex Avila hit into a double play with runners on first and third to end the fifth. Dirks popped out to end the sixth with runners on second and third.  

With the bases loaded and two outs in the seventh, Boesch hit a routine fly.  

Dirks finally added an insurance run with his homer to right.  

The 26-year-old Axelrod made his first start of the season for the White Sox, part of a pitching shuffle that moved Chris Sale from starter to closer. Axelrod struck out four and walked two.  

Chicago outfielder Dayan Viciedo left in the seventh after being hit in the right elbow with a pitch.  

NOTES: Chicago manager Robin Ventura said the White Sox will bring up LHP Eric Stults from the minors to start the second game of Monday’s doubleheader at Cleveland. Stults (0-0) will face Josh Tomlin (1-2). Chicago RHP Phil Humber (1-1) faces Zach McAllister (0-0) in the opener. … Detroit RHP Doug Fister (0-0) returns from a left side strain to make his second start of the season Monday night at Seattle. Blake Beavan (1-3) takes the mound for the Mariners. … Dunn’s homer was his 374th, tying Rocky Colavito for 69th on the career list. … Leyland earned his 1,602nd win, tying Fred Clarke for 16th on the career list.