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Danks struggles in 12-5 loss to Indians

CLEVELAND — The White Sox's powerful offense couldn't overcome a rough night for their pitchers.

Left-hander John Danks allowed a season-high eight runs and 10 hits in five innings Friday and the Cleveland Indians routed the White Sox 12-5.

Rookie first baseman Jose Abreu hit his major league-leading 11th home run for Chicago, which trailed 5-0 after one inning. The White Sox lead the American League with 159 runs, but have the second-worst ERA in the league at 5.00.

"It seemed like Cleveland was hitting it where we weren't, so you tip your hat to them," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "They were painting lines, hitting it hard, coming through with guys on base. It was just their night."

Danks (2-2) allowed solo homers to Carlos Santana and Michael Brantley, walked three, and struck out three in his shortest outing of 2014. The eight runs were the most he has allowed since Sept. 12, 2011.

"Hell, I don't know what I did good tonight," said Danks, who has lost two straight starts. "There wasn't a whole lot to take from it. I felt fine. I just had the ball up. I've got to throw more strikes. It's not rocket science."

Cleveland added four more runs in the sixth against relievers Scott Downs and Maikel Cleto, finishing with 13 hits in snapping their season-long losing streak at six. Cleveland has scored 12 runs twice this year, both against Chicago.

White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez went 2-for-4 to up his AL-leading average to .356, while rookie catcher Adrian Nieto had a season-high three hits and knocked in his first major league run in the second inning.

Abreu's solo shot in the fifth raised his RBI total to 33, tying him with Miami's Giancarlo Stanton for the most in the majors.

Indians right-hander Danny Salazar (1-3) picked up his first win since last Sept. 25 — also against Chicago — by allowing seven hits in five-plus innings. He allowed five runs, three earned, and struck out six.

"He throws 95 with a good splitty, so he's got great stuff," White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton said.

Ventura agreed, saying, "That kid pitched out of some tough jams. We had our chances, especially early, but he buckled up and limited the damage."

Eaton left the game after straining his right hamstring while running to first base in the fourth. The Ohio native said he expects to be placed on the disabled list "because I'm not doing any good for the team at 80 percent."

The White Sox are already without ace pitcher Chris Sale, who played catch before the game but will not be activated off the 15-day disabled list when he becomes eligible Saturday. The two-time All-Star will play long toss Monday in Chicago, then have his status updated by the team.

The White Sox have lost three games in a row and have dropped seven straight in Cleveland, dating back to last season.

"It was a good night for us offensively, and we needed it," Indians manager Terry Francona said.

Chicago right fielder Dayan Viciedo, who entered the night with the second-best average in the AL .348, was hitless in three at-bats. Left fielder Alejandro De Aza went 2-for-4 and had the White Sox's other RBI.

NOTES: White Sox RHP Felipe Paulino (right rotator cuff irritation) will make a rehab start Saturday at Triple-A Charlotte, while 3B Jeff Keppinger (right shoulder surgery) began his rehab assignment at Double-A Birmingham on Friday. ... Ventura said 3B Conor Gillaspie (left hand contusion) could head out on a rehab assignment this weekend. ... Indians 2B Jason Kipnis (right oblique strain) was placed on the disabled list prior to the game. ... White Sox RHP Scott Carroll (1-0) faces Indians RHP Justin Masterson (0-1) in the second game of the three-game series Saturday at 6:05 p.m.

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