Garcia throws another clunker

Freddy Garcia was defiant after getting smacked around Tuesday by the Minnesota Twins at U.S. Cellular Field.

The White Sox' veteran starting pitcher said he "didn't care" what a growing number of detractors were saying after he allowed 6 runs on 8 hits, including 3 home runs, in just 21/3 innings.

"If people don't believe in me, that's their problem," Garcia said. "I prove a lot of people wrong all the time. In my next start I'll try to pitch the best I can."

That next start came Sunday, and it was another dud.

Garcia lasted just 5 innings against the Detroit Tigers and allowed 5 runs on 8 hits, including 2 more homers.

"Not too good," Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said.

Creeping up on his 34th birthday (Oct. 6) and trying to pitch his first full season since 2006, Garcia is 1-2 with an 8.44 ERA in his last 5 starts.

If anything, he was apologetic after failing to hold down Detroit.

"This week, I blame myself," said Garcia, who had major shoulder surgery in 2007. "I pitched terrible. Everybody else, they are pretty positive. I am, too, but I have to get into the groove and start throwing the ball better."

Garcia allowed 2 runs in the third inning when he mistimed his jump on a chopper up the middle off the bat of Carlos Guillen.

The ball also got past second baseman Gordon Beckham and scored a pair of runs.

"I should have pitched better," Garcia said. "I was feeling really good. I should have caught the groundball with two outs, bases loaded. I should have caught that ball."

Garcia also was kicking himself over Jhonny Peralta's 2-run homer with two outs in the fifth inning.

"I should have thrown a better pitch, but I didn't," Garcia said. "I feel good. I should have pitched better today."