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Pro Sports
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Thursday, July 03, 2008, 11:24 AM
Pierzynski powers White Sox Giambi, Yanks slam Texas; Rays sweep The Associated Press A.J. Pierzynski's clutch home run sent the Chicago White Sox to another dramatic win and denied the surging Minnesota Twins a chance to inch closer in the AL Central. Evan Longoria's three hits helped the Tampa Bay Rays widen the gap in the East. Pierzynski led off the 10th inning with his second homer of the game and Chicago beat the Cleveland Indians 6-5 Wednesday night for its seventh straight win. "When I hit it, I was like, it's got a chance," Pierzynski said. "But I didn't know it was going to make it." The White Sox earned their second 10-inning win in as many nights and maintained their 2 1/2-game lead over the second-place Twins, who picked up a 7-0 victory over the Tigers. Nick Blackburn (7-4) combined with two relievers on a five-hitter for Minnesota, which took two of three in the series and has won 13 of 15 overall. The Rays also finished off an important division series on a high note, getting three RBIs from Longoria in a 7-6 victory over the Boston Red Sox. Tampa Bay finished off its second three-game sweep of the World Series champions this season and extended its AL East lead to a franchise-best 3 1/2 games over the second-place Red Sox, who matched a season high with their fifth consecutive loss. "It's a really good feeling. I can't tell you that I expected it -- I'd be lying -- but right now ... we do expect to win on a nightly basis," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. At New York, Jason Giambi hit a grand slam and drove in a season-high six runs and Alex Rodriguez added a three-run homer as New York avoided a series sweep. Angels 7, Athletics 4 At Los Angeles, Joe Saunders pitched into the seventh inning to match Brandon Webb for the major league lead with his 12th win, and Juan Rivera and Eric Aybar homered for the Angels. Orioles 5, Royals 2 At Balitmore, Daniel Cabrera pitched a seven-hitter to earn his first victory since May 20, and Aubrey Huff homered for Baltimore. Mariners 4, Blue Jays 2 At Seattle, Miguel Cairo drove in three runs with two doubles for Seattle. Cairo, making just his second start at second base, drove in the game's first run with a two-out double in the third off Dustin McGowan (6-7). Raul Ibanez followed with a run-scoring single.
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