Pierre says he's starting to get things together

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Juan Pierre didn't have much of a day Sunday, going 0-for-4 in the White Sox' loss to the Royals.

But if the Sox' offense is ever going to awaken from its slumber, Pierre is going to have to continue making things happen out of the leadoff spot.

Following a slow start, Pierre has raised his batting average to .247 with an 11-for-30 showing over his last seven games.

"I've been finding holes lately, that's it, man," Pierre said. "Hitting it where they ain't, but I'm a long way from where I need to be. It's a process. I won't be satisfied hitting .250 the whole year, that's for sure. It's a process, like I said. You get in it slow, you get out of it slow."

A career .301 hitter coming into the season, Pierre hasn't panicked over his early struggles.

"That's the natural tendency," Pierre said. "I always say you can't go 5-for-3. You can only do what you can do. When you get yourself into a little rut, your tendency is wanting to do well, do well. I just try to break it down to having good at-bats."

Viciedo watch: Dayan Viciedo hit another home run, this one a 3-run shot for Class AAA Charlotte in Sunday's loss to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

The 5-foot-11, 240-pound first baseman has 3 homers and 7 RBI in his last 10 games.

Alan Embree took the loss after allowing 4 runs on 4 hits and 1 walk in two-thirds of an inning. The veteran left-hander signed with the White Sox early last week.

Condolences: White Sox radio broadcaster Darrin Jackson missed the Royals series and he also will miss the two-game set at Detroit that starts Monday.

Jackson's mother died on Wednesday.

Tom Paciorek has been filling in for Jackson, who is expected to return to the booth after the Tigers series.