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.

Despite both teams owning losing records, there was plenty of intrigue to open the series between the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox.

After the White Sox won the opener despite losing their best hitter, they’ll try to continue their recent success against the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Saturday night.

While these teams are off to slow starts, there was no shortage of storylines following the White Sox’s 3-2 win Friday.

Paul Konerko hit a two-run homer in the first inning and Gordon Beckham hit a tiebreaking solo shot in the eighth to lead the White Sox to their sixth win in nine games at Wrigley Field.

Beforehand, it was learned Kerry Wood intended to announce his retirement, ending a career that began with much promise but never helped bring that elusive World Series title to the Cubs.

Wood was 0-2 with two blown saves and an 8.64 ERA before striking out Dayan Viciedo in the eighth in his final appearance.

“It was time,” Wood, who left to a standing ovation, said. “We saw how things were going this year. I wasn’t able to bounce back and do my job.”

Wood wasn’t the only big story after Konerko was sent sprawling in the third inning when he was hit by a pitch by Jeff Samardzija. Konerko suffered a laceration above his left eye and some swelling, and his status for Saturday is uncertain.

“The ball got away and unfortunately it hit him up high,” Samardzija said after the Cubs (15-24) lost their fourth straight. “If I could take it back I would. He’s a tough guy. I hope he’ll be alright.”

White Sox starter Phil Humber denied retaliation after he threw behind Bryan LaHair in the fourth. Both benches were issued warnings.

Konerko came into the game batting .362, third-best in the AL. His homer was his 55th in interleague play, tying him with Ken Griffey Jr. for second place all-time.

Possibly without Konerko, the White Sox (19-21) will go for a third straight victory Saturday, but they could have trouble against Ryan Dempster (0-1, 1.74 ERA).

Dempster had a 1.02 ERA over his first five starts, which the Cubs were winless in. He pitched in a winning effort against St. Louis on Monday after allowing a season-high four runs in six innings of a 6-4 victory.

Dempster is 2-3 with a 5.09 ERA in six starts against the White Sox but has a 1.71 ERA in three starts against them at Wrigley Field.

Alexei Ramirez is 6 for 14 with a home run against Dempster while Adam Dunn has two homers in 17 at-bats.

The White Sox will counter with John Danks (2-4, 6.46), who struggled again Monday at Detroit, failing to record an out in the fourth inning of a 7-5 win.

Danks allowed five runs and nine hits, and it was the third time in four starts he gave up five or more runs.

The left-hander is 2-1 with a 2.88 ERA in four starts against the Cubs, although the last time he faced them he allowed six runs in five innings of an 8-6 loss in 2010.

CHICAGO, May 18 (UPI) — Gordon Beckham hit an eighth-inning home run Friday that carried the Chicago White Sox to a 3-2 interleague victory over the Chicago Cubs.

Paul Konerko hit a two-run home run in the first inning for the White Sox but the Cubs tied the score in the seventh on a run-scoring single by pitcher Jeff Samardzija.

The next inning Beckham fouled off three pitches before hitting a high fly that just reached the section of Wrigley Field’s left field stands that jut in. It was his third home run of the year.

Samardzija (4-2) took the loss after giving up seven hits and all three runs over 7 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out eight.

He was lifted after walking Adam Dunn in the eighth and Kerry Wood came in and struck out Dayan Viciedo. Wood earlier let it be known he planned to retire as a player after a final appearance. He left the field to a standing ovation.

Matt Thornton (2-3), who allowed the single to Samardzija and got two outs on three pitches, collected the win. Addison Reed pitched the ninth in earning his fourth save.

Beckham singled with one out in the first and, an out later, Konerko hit a smash deep into the left-field stands for his 10th home run of the season. Konerko was hit by a pitch near his left eye his next time up and left the game.

The Cubs got a double by David DeJesus, a single from Tony Campana and a sacrifice fly from Starlin Castro in their first three batters but only managed one more hit off White Sox starter Philip Humber until the seventh.

Ian Stewart singled and took third on a Darwin Bradley double when Samardzija greeted Thornton with a single through the left side. It was Samardzija’s first hit of the season.

CHICAGO (AP) – Gordon Beckham hit a tie-breaking home run in the eighth inning Friday and the Chicago White Sox overcame the loss of star Paul Konerko to beat the Chicago Cubs 3-2 in what was the final major league game for Cubs reliever Kerry Wood.

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

Konerko suffered a laceration above his left eye and swelling when he was hit by a Samardizja pitch in the third inning and had to leave the game. He was to have more tests to determine the extent of the injury.

Wood’s retirement dominated the pre-game conversations as the right-hander shagged batting practice balls in the outfield with his son. After struggling with injuries over the better part of a decade and again early this season, Wood was expected to retire after one more appearance with the Cubs and he made that in the eighth after Samardzija walked Adam Dunn.

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. When Wood struck out Dayan Viciedo with three pitches – the only batter he faced – he was taken out as teammates congratulated him on the mound and Dunn doffed his batting helmet and clapped from first base.

Wood left to a rousing 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 the fans at Wrigley Field as James Russell threw warmup pitches. He played slightly more than 13 seasons, most of them in Chicago.

“It’s time,” Wood said afterward. “We all get to this point.’

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 right away against Phil Humber. 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 Bryan LaHair and got Alfonso Soriano to fly out.

Samardizja hit Konerko with a high tight pitch in the third, sending him sprawling into the dirt and eventually out of the game holding a towel to his face. The next inning, Humber threw a pitch high and behind Cubs cleanup hitter Bryan LaHair in the fourth and home plate umpire Tim Timmons issued a warning to both teams.

The Cubs tied the game in the seventh when Ian Stewart led off with a single and one out later Darwin Barney doubled into the left field corner to finish Humber after just 66 pitches. Matt Thornton (2-3) came in and Samardzija promptly 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 allowed five hits and the two runs in 6 1-3 innings and is now 0-2 with three no-decisions since pitching a perfect game against Seattle on April 21. Addison Reed got his fourth save in as many chances with a scoreless ninth that included a double by Barney when White Sox right fielder Alex Rios lost his two-out fly ball in the sun.

Cubs manager Dale Sveum was ejected in the fifth inning after arguing a call at second base with umpire Marty Foster, who was covering second on the play. DeJesus had hit a ball to left center and appeared to be safe at second but when Beckham went to make a tag he knocked DeJesus off the bag and Foster called him out.

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 and optioned out struggling right-hander Chris Volstad, who had an 0-6 record.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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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ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) The Chicago White Sox desperately needed a strong outing from one of their starters. Chris Sale provided it.

The 23-year-old left-hander pitched effectively into the sixth inning and the White Sox capitalized on some shoddy defense by the Los Angeles Angels for a 6-1 victory Thursday.

After a three-game stretch in which starters John Danks, Jake Peavy and Gavin Floyd gave up a combined 18 earned runs over 14 1-3 innings, Sale (4-2) restored order in his sixth major league start. He struck out seven and was working on a three-hit shutout in the sixth when he gave up a one-out homer to Albert Pujols and a double to Mark Trumbo and was replaced by Nate Jones.

”It was nice to see Chris have a good start,” Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko said. ”He had that little thing where he got out of the rotation for a week and missed a turn, and I think there’s no question that it kind of blew his rhythm – because he didn’t have a good game last time. So it was nice to see him get it back, because he was on his way to having a great year.”

Sale joined lefty Steve Rosenberg (1989) as the only White Sox pitchers to give up three runs or less in each of their first six big league starts since divisional play began in 1969.

”I guess that’s a cool stat, but it’s obviously something I don’t pay attention to at all,” Sale said. ”I have a job to do, and that’s to go out and keep my team in the game, keep the other team to fewer runs on the board than the other starter and pitch deep into the game. That’s my main focus.”

A first-round draft pick in 2010, Sale was used exclusively in relief by the White Sox during his two previous seasons in the big leagues. Two of those relief outings were against the Angels, who got to see him again during spring training.

”He did a good job today and was pretty sharp, for the most part,” Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick said. ”He got outs and put up zeros, and that’s what you want your starter to do. He’s got a good two-seam fastball, he threw strikes and was able to get guys out with his breaking ball.”

C.J. Wilson (4-4) threw 88 pitches in 3 2-3 innings and tied a career high with six walks. The left-hander was charged with four runs – one earned – and four hits. He also walked six Marlins batters on June 15, 2010, at Miami while pitching for the Texas Rangers.

”I had a little stomach virus today, so I couldn’t really get anything going,” Wilson said. ”It was just weird. I almost passed out after the first inning. I didn’t set a good tone, and that’s pretty much my fault. I put the defense to sleep out there – and the bats, too, I guess.”

A.J. Pierzynski delivered a two-out RBI single in the third to open the scoring, after flying out with the bases loaded to end the White Sox first. He was 3 for 5 with two RBI singles, and is 29 for 70 in his last 19 games at Angel Stadium.

Chicago tacked on three unearned runs in the fourth with the help of two balls that should have been caught and weren’t. Angels center fielder Mike Trout started in right for the first time this season due to the absence of nine-time Gold Glove winner Torii Hunter because of his son’s arrest in Texas, and dropped a routine flyball by Dyan Viciedo with one out.

Viciedo ended up at second base on the error, and Wilson walked the next two batters before Adam Dunn chased the left-hander with a two-run single. David Carpenter came in and Konerko hit a popup to short right field, but the ball fell in front of Kendrick after he called off Trout. It was scored as an RBI single.

”It was right in the sun,” Kendrick said. ”I made a mistake and had my sunglasses on my hat, and I should have had them on there. But I still have to make that play, regardless. We can’t allow that to happen. We’ve got to make plays and give the team the best opportunity to win. Today we missed some flyballs, and we’ve got to work on that.”

In the fifth, Alexei Ramirez’s blooper fell between Trout and Kendrick for a hit after a leadoff single by Pierzynski. Viciedo followed with a flyball to short center, where Peter Bourjos converged with Trout and Kendrick before making the catch – resulting in a derisive cheer from the crowd of 30,786. Carpenter then fielded Brent Morel’s comebacker and started a double play.

Viciedo led off the eighth with his sixth homer and third in a four-game span. Three batters later, three-time Gold Glove winner Vernon Wells scaled the fence in front of the left field bullpen and pulled back Gordon Beckham’s bid for a two-run homer.

NOTES: Trumbo had a career-high four hits. … Dunn struck out his first two times up, increasing his major league-worst total to 59, and has at least one in 38 of his first 39 games. He led the majors in strikeouts three consecutive seasons while with Cincinnati (2004-06). … The Angels had gone 54 consecutive innings without an error before Trout’s first miscue of the season in 17 starts in the outfield.

Instant replay

at U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago

WHAT HAPPENED: Jake Peavy held the Tigers down until the sixth inning, when Miguel Cabrera, Ryan Raburn and Austin Jackson all hit home runs to help score eight runs and overcome a six-run deficit. The Tigers added two more runs in the seventh inning and survived a wild ninth in which the White Sox scored two runs with two outs and came within a few feet of winning the game on a three-run homer from Dayan Viciedo. The Tigers scored 10 runs for the second time on the nine-game trip. In between, they scored four, one, three and five runs in games.

THE SCHERZER COASTER: Starter Max Scherzer threw 119 pitches in four-plus innings two weeks ago in New York. He couldn’t throw strikes mostly because he had trouble slowing down his delivery and repeating it. He followed that effort with two stellar performances, allowing three runs in 13 1/3 innings. Yet Tuesday he was back to his old habit, speeding up his delivery, overthrowing and unable to consistently find the plate. This time he threw 99 pitches in four innings, allowing six runs (five earned).

“It’s just puzzling because he was just so totally out of sync,” manager Jim Leyland said.

SOMETIMES IT’S ABOUT A SINGLE: Jhonny Peralta’s struggles at the plate have been overshadowed by the mini-slumps of Cabrera and Prince Fielder and by the saga of Raburn. Coming off a career-year, Peralta entered the game hitting .252. His seventh-inning, one-out single, however, was a crucial hit and gave the Tigers an add-on run.

UNPOPULAR SOX: A.J. Pierzynski, the catcher opposing fans love to hate — though would love to have in their clubhouse — tied a career high with five hits. The Tiger killer’s last hit, a double in the ninth, began what was almost an improbable four-run comeback.

QUOTABLE: “Everybody did something to help us win this game,” Leyland said. “Nobody gave in or gave up. This is just one game we are talking about. But to me, when you come off a very mediocre road trip and you are on the last day of it and you are down 6-0 to Jake Peavy, and you come back and win the game, that is a pretty good effort. And I’m proud of them.”

THREE STARS: 1. Cabrera; 2. Raburn; 3. Jackson.

Contact Shawn Windsor: 313-222-6487 or swindsor@freepress.com.

Free Press beat writer John Lowe will answer your questions about the Tigers in a live chat at noon Thursday at freep.com/sports. (Submit questions now.) Then stick around as Anthony Fenech live-blogs the Tigers-Twins game that afternoon.

Free Press sports editor Gene Myers will answer your questions about Detroit sports and the Freep in a live chat at 11 a.m. Wednesday at freep.com/sports. Submit questions now!

Instant replay

At U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago

WHAT HAPPENED: The Tigers took an early three-run lead, twice. But two two-run home runs from the White Sox and a three-run sixth inning brought Chicago back. Yet the bullpen couldn’t hold a lead again. The Tigers entered the game with the worst bullpen ERA in the American League. Monday night didn’t help. Drew Smyly gave up the homers but also looked sharp at times. The left-handed rookie pitched five innings. The Tigers left 13 runners on base, including two in the ninth.

TAKE A BOW: Jhonny Peralta led off the fifth inning with a bunt. Then things got interesting, or at least amusing. Looking to extend their lead, manager Jim Leyland called for Gerald Laird to bunt. He did. But after running to first, he tripped over his own feet and fell. He got up, playfully bowed, and took a sheepish grin to the dugout. He should be hearing about the stumble for a while.

• BOX SCORE HERE

GOOD AND BAD: Ryan Raburn continued to hit the ball well and collected two singles. Yet his failed bunt attempt in the third inning — he was trying to advance Prince Fielder and Delmon Young to second and third — cost the Tigers a run. It has been that kind of start for the second baseman.

FLUKE BOUNCE: When Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez attempted to steal second in the eighth inning, Laird’s throw bounced off Ramirez’s backside as he slid. It popped up and hit shortstop Ramon Santiago in the mouth. Santiago immediately fell to the ground. After a visit from trainer Kevin Rand and Leyland, Santiago stayed in the game.

THREE STARS: 1. Dayan Viciedo, 2. Adam Dunn, 3. Fielder.

Contact Shawn Windsor: 313-222-6487 or swindsor@freepress.com.

Free Press beat writer John Lowe will answer your questions about the Tigers in a live chat at noon Thursday at freep.com/sports. (Submit questions now.) Then stick around as Anthony Fenech live-blogs the Tigers-Twins game that afternoon.

Free Press sports editor Gene Myers will answer your questions about Detroit sports and the Freep in a live chat at 11 a.m. Wednesday at freep.com/sports. Submit questions now!

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP)

The Chicago White Sox desperately needed a strong outing from one of their starters. Chris Sale provided it.

The 23-year-old left-hander pitched effectively into the sixth inning and the White Sox capitalized on some shoddy defense by the Los Angeles Angels for a 6-1 victory Thursday.

After a three-game stretch in which starters John Danks, Jake Peavy and Gavin Floyd gave up a combined 18 earned runs over 14 1-3 innings, Sale (4-2) restored order in his sixth major league start. He struck out seven and was working on a three-hit shutout in the sixth when he gave up a one-out homer to Albert Pujols and a double to Mark Trumbo and was replaced by Nate Jones.

”It was nice to see Chris have a good start,” Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko said. ”He had that little thing where he got out of the rotation for a week and missed a turn, and I think there’s no question that it kind of blew his rhythm – because he didn’t have a good game last time. So it was nice to see him get it back, because he was on his way to having a great year.”

Sale joined lefty Steve Rosenberg (1989) as the only White Sox pitchers to give up three runs or less in each of their first six big league starts since divisional play began in 1969.

”I guess that’s a cool stat, but it’s obviously something I don’t pay attention to at all,” Sale said. ”I have a job to do, and that’s to go out and keep my team in the game, keep the other team to fewer runs on the board than the other starter and pitch deep into the game. That’s my main focus.”

A first-round draft pick in 2010, Sale was used exclusively in relief by the White Sox during his two previous seasons in the big leagues. Two of those relief outings were against the Angels, who got to see him again during spring training.

”He did a good job today and was pretty sharp, for the most part,” Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick said. ”He got outs and put up zeros, and that’s what you want your starter to do. He’s got a good two-seam fastball, he threw strikes and was able to get guys out with his breaking ball.”

C.J. Wilson (4-4) threw 88 pitches in 3 2-3 innings and tied a career high with six walks. The left-hander was charged with four runs – one earned – and four hits. He also walked six Marlins batters on June 15, 2010, at Miami while pitching for the Texas Rangers.

”I had a little stomach virus today, so I couldn’t really get anything going,” Wilson said. ”It was just weird. I almost passed out after the first inning. I didn’t set a good tone, and that’s pretty much my fault. I put the defense to sleep out there – and the bats, too, I guess.”

A.J. Pierzynski delivered a two-out RBI single in the third to open the scoring, after flying out with the bases loaded to end the White Sox first. He was 3 for 5 with two RBI singles, and is 29 for 70 in his last 19 games at Angel Stadium.

Chicago tacked on three unearned runs in the fourth with the help of two balls that should have been caught and weren’t. Angels center fielder Mike Trout started in right for the first time this season due to the absence of nine-time Gold Glove winner Torii Hunter because of his son’s arrest in Texas, and dropped a routine flyball by Dyan Viciedo with one out.

Viciedo ended up at second base on the error, and Wilson walked the next two batters before Adam Dunn chased the left-hander with a two-run single. David Carpenter came in and Konerko hit a popup to short right field, but the ball fell in front of Kendrick after he called off Trout. It was scored as an RBI single.

”It was right in the sun,” Kendrick said. ”I made a mistake and had my sunglasses on my hat, and I should have had them on there. But I still have to make that play, regardless. We can’t allow that to happen. We’ve got to make plays and give the team the best opportunity to win. Today we missed some flyballs, and we’ve got to work on that.”

In the fifth, Alexei Ramirez’s blooper fell between Trout and Kendrick for a hit after a leadoff single by Pierzynski. Viciedo followed with a flyball to short center, where Peter Bourjos converged with Trout and Kendrick before making the catch – resulting in a derisive cheer from the crowd of 30,786. Carpenter then fielded Brent Morel’s comebacker and started a double play.

Viciedo led off the eighth with his sixth homer and third in a four-game span. Three batters later, three-time Gold Glove winner Vernon Wells scaled the fence in front of the left field bullpen and pulled back Gordon Beckham’s bid for a two-run homer.

NOTES: Trumbo had a career-high four hits. … Dunn struck out his first two times up, increasing his major league-worst total to 59, and has at least one in 38 of his first 39 games. He led the majors in strikeouts three consecutive seasons while with Cincinnati (2004-06). … The Angels had gone 54 consecutive innings without an error before Trout’s first miscue of the season in 17 starts in the outfield.

By Satchel Price

– Newsdesk contributor

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May 17, 2012 – Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija spoke with reporters on Thursday about his upcoming start on Friday afternoon against the Chicago White Sox, poking fun at White Sox broadcaster Hawk Harrelson among other things. The former Notre Dame wide receiver grew up in Indiana, not especially far from the south side of Chicago.

Asked if he had any favorite call from Hawk as a kid, Samardzija responded:

There was a lot of them, man, a lot of good ones. I always liked the ones where he just didn’t talk for about an inning and a half. And then all of a sudden, you know, he’d be like, ‘The 2-2, two outs,’ and I mean, where were the other 15 pitches that happened during the inning?

At this point, it’s hard not to think of Harrelson when thinking of White Sox baseball. Since 1990, Harrelson has been the primary play-by-play announcer for the team. On Friday afternoon at 1:10, the Cubs are hosting the White Sox with Samardzija taking the mound for his eighth start of the year.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of the White Sox, head over to South Side Sox, and for the Cubs, check out Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more news, notes and analysis from around baseball, visit Baseball Nation.

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ANAHEIM, CALIF. The Chicago White Sox desperately needed a strong outing from one of their starters. Chris Sale provided it.

The 23-year-old left-hander pitched effectively into the sixth inning and the White Sox capitalized on some shoddy defence by the Los Angeles Angels for a 6-1 victory Thursday.

After a three-game stretch in which starters John Danks, Jake Peavy and Gavin Floyd gave up a combined 18 earned runs over 14 1-3 innings, Sale (4-2) restored order in his sixth major league start. He struck out seven and was working on a three-hit shutout in the sixth when he gave up a one-out homer to Albert Pujols and a double to Mark Trumbo and was replaced by Nate Jones.

“It was nice to see Chris have a good start,” Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko said. “He had that little thing where he got out of the rotation for a week and missed a turn, and I think there’s no question that it kind of blew his rhythm — because he didn’t have a good game last time. So it was nice to see him get it back, because he was on his way to having a great year.”

Sale joined lefty Steve Rosenberg (1989) as the only White Sox pitchers to give up three runs or less in each of their first six big league starts since divisional play began in 1969.

“I guess that’s a cool stat, but it’s obviously something I don’t pay attention to at all,” Sale said. “I have a job to do, and that’s to go out and keep my team in the game, keep the other team to fewer runs on the board than the other starter and pitch deep into the game. That’s my main focus.”

A first-round draft pick in 2010, Sale was used exclusively in relief by the White Sox during his two previous seasons in the big leagues. Two of those relief outings were against the Angels, who got to see him again during spring training.

“He did a good job today and was pretty sharp, for the most part,” Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick said. “He got outs and put up zeros, and that’s what you want your starter to do. He’s got a good two-seam fastball, he threw strikes and was able to get guys out with his breaking ball.”

C.J. Wilson (4-4) threw 88 pitches in 3 2/3 innings and tied a career high with six walks. The left-hander was charged with four runs — one earned — and four hits. He also walked six Marlins batters on June 15, 2010, at Miami while pitching for the Texas Rangers.

“I had a little stomach virus today, so I couldn’t really get anything going,” Wilson said. “It was just weird. I almost passed out after the first inning. I didn’t set a good tone, and that’s pretty much my fault. I put the defence to sleep out there — and the bats, too, I guess.”

A.J. Pierzynski delivered a two-out RBI single in the third to open the scoring, after flying out with the bases loaded to end the White Sox first. He was 3 for 5 with two RBI singles, and is 29 for 70 in his last 19 games at Angel Stadium.

Chicago tacked on three more in the fourth with the help of two balls that should have been caught and weren’t. Angels centre-fielder Mike Trout started in right for the first time this season due to the absence of nine-time Gold Glove winner Torii Hunter because of his son’s arrest in Texas, and dropped a routine fly ball by Dyan Viciedo with one out in the first.

Viciedo ended up at second base on the error, and Wilson walked the next two batters before Adam Dunn chased the left-hander with a two-run single. David Carpenter came in and Konerko hit a popup to short right field, but the ball fell in front of Kendrick after he called off Trout. It was scored as an RBI single.

“It was right in the sun,” Kendrick said. “I made a mistake and had my sunglasses on my hat, and I should have had them on there. But I still have to make that play, regardless. We can’t allow that to happen. We’ve got to make plays and give the team the best opportunity to win. Today we missed some fly balls, and we’ve got to work on that.”

In the fifth, Alexei Ramirez’s chopper fell between Trout and Kendrick for a hit after a leadoff single by Pierzynski. Viciedo followed with a fly ball to short centre, where Peter Bourjos converged with Trout and Kendrick before making the catch — resulting in a derisive cheer from the crowd of 30,786. Carpenter then fielded Brent Morel’s comebacker and started a double-play.

Viciedo led off the eighth with his sixth homer and third in a four-game span. Three batters later, three-time Gold Glove winner Vernon Wells scaled the fence in front of the left field bullpen and pulled back Gordon Beckham’s bid for a two-run homer.

NOTES: Trumbo had a career-high four hits. … Dunn struck out his first two times up, increasing his major league-worst total to 59, and has at least one in 38 of his first 39 games. He led the majors in strikeouts three consecutive seasons while with Cincinnati (2004-06). … The Angels had gone 54 consecutive innings without an error before Trout’s first miscue of the season in 17 starts in the outfield.

The Associated Press

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Chris Sale pitched effectively into the sixth inning, giving Chicago’s rotation a much-needed solid outing, and the White Sox capitalized on some shoddy defense by the Los Angeles Angels for a 6-1 victory Thursday.

After a three-game stretch in which starters John Danks, Jake Peavy and Gavin Floyd gave up a combined 18 earned runs over 14 1-3 innings, Sale (4-2) restored order in his sixth major league start. The 23-year-old left-hander struck out seven and was working on a three-hit shutout in the sixth when he gave up a one-out homer to Albert Pujols and a double to Mark Trumbo and was replaced by Nate Jones. Trumbo had a career-high four hits.

Sale joined fellow left-hander Steve Rosenberg (1989) as the only White Sox pitchers to give up three runs or less in each of their first six big league starts since divisional play began in 1969. A first-round draft pick in 2010, Sale was used exclusively in relief by the White Sox during his two previous seasons in the big leagues.

C.J. Wilson (4-4) threw 88 pitches in 3 2-3 innings and tied a career high with six walks. He was charged with four runs — one earned — and four hits.

A.J. Pierzynski delivered a two-out RBI single in the third to open the scoring, after flying out with the bases loaded to end the White Sox first. He was 3 for 5 with two RBI singles, and is 29 for 70 in his last 19 games at Angel Stadium.

Chicago tacked on three more in the fourth with the help of two balls that should have been caught and weren’t. Angels center fielder Mike Trout started in right for the first time this season due to the absence of nine-time Gold Glove winner Torii Hunter because of his son’s arrest in Texas, and dropped a routine flyball by Dyan Viciedo with one out in the first.

Viciedo ended up at second base on the error, and Wilson walked the next two batters before Adam Dunn chased the left-hander with a two-run single. David Carpenter came in Paul Konerko hit a popup to short right field, but the ball fell in front of second baseman Howie Kendrick after he called off Trout. It was scored as an RBI single.

In the fifth, Alexei Ramirez’ chopper fell between Trout and Kendrick for a hit after a leadoff single by Pierzynski. Viciedo followed with a flyball to short center, where Peter Bourjos converged with Trout and Kendrick before making the catch — resulting in a derisive cheer from the crowd of 30,786.

Carpenter then fielded Brent Morel’s comebacker and started a double play.

Viciedo led off the eighth with his sixth homer and third in a four-game span. Three batters later, three-time Gold Glove winner Vernon Wells scaled the fence in front of the left field bullpen and pulled back Gordon Beckham’s bid for a two-run homer.

NOTES: Dunn struck out his first two times up, increasing his major league-worst total to 59, and has at least one in 38 of his first 39 games. He led the majors in strikeouts three consecutive seasons while with Cincinnati (2004-06). … Both teams begin their respective interleague schedules on Friday. The Angels are at San Diego, and the White Sox have a day game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Dunn’s 41 career home runs against the Cubs are the second-highest total among active players behind Albert Pujols’ 63. … Wilson also walked six Marlins batters on June 15, 2010, at Miami while pitching for the Texas Rangers. …The Angels had gone 54 consecutive innings without an error before Trout’s first miscue of the season in 17 starts in the outfield.

Anaheim, CA (Sports Network) – Adam Dunn and A.J. Pierzynski each knocked in two runs to help the Chicago White Sox beat the LA Angels of Anaheim, 6-1, in the final test of a two-game series.

Dayan Viciedo hit a solo homer for the White Sox, who bounced back from a 7-2 loss in the opener of this brief set on Wednesday. Paul Konerko drove in a run and scored a run.

Chris Sale (4-2) allowed one run on five hits over 5 1/3 innings to pick up the win. He struck out seven and walked one.

“We continued to put pressure on them today,” White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. “We had good at-bats and Chris has been good for us.”

Albert Pujols hit a solo homer for the Angels, who had a two-game winning streak snapped.

C.J. Wilson (4-4) gave up four runs — one earned — on four hits over 3 2/3 frames. He walked six and fanned three.

“We’ll turn the page on this one,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. “C.J. had trouble putting pitches in the zone. He started to feel a little under the weather as the game went on.”

The White Sox broke a scoreless tie in the third inning. Konerko worked a two-out walk, moved to second on Alex Rios’ single and crossed the plate on Pierzynski’s base hit to right. Pierzynski was tagged out while trying to reach second.

The visitors added three more runs in the fourth. With one out, Viciedo hit a routine fly ball to right fielder Mike Trout, who dropped the ball. Brent Morel and Alejandro De Aza followed with walks to load the bases. Two batters later, Dunn hit a two-run single to right-center field. David Carpenter came in from the bullpen and Konerko greeted him with an RBI single to shallow right field.

Pujols’ third homer of the season in the sixth made it a 4-1 game.

But Viciedo hit a solo homer of his own in the eighth to give Chicago a four- run margin again.

Pierzynski added an RBI single in the ninth to account for the final margin.

Game Notes

Wilson fell to 3-1 in 13 lifetime meetings (four starts) against the White Sox…Angels designated hitter Mark Trumbo went 4-for-4 to extend his hitting streak to eight games…LA went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and stranded eight.