Athletics complete three-game sweep over White Sox

As the Chicago White Sox's season spirals downward, mining game highlights is becoming a difficult task.

In Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Oakland Athletics at Guaranteed Rate Field — the Sox were swept in the three-game series — center fielder Adam Engel did rise up with his first major-league home run.

With two outs in the third inning, Engel jumped on a 3-0 pitch from Athletics starter Sonny Gray and hit a solo homer to left field.

“It was a pretty cool feeling,” Engel said. “I was able to get ahead in the count there and the guys ahead of me worked some deep counts and did some work early for me. I got a fastball up in the zone. I was able to see it, kind of looking for it, and put a good swing on it.”

Engel got the ball back from a fan who caught it and tossed it into the Sox's bullpen.

“I signed some baseballs for her,” Engel said.

The rookie outfielder said his first home run ball is probably going to his parents.

“More than likely,” Engel said. “I gave my debut jersey to my dad for Father's Day a couple of days ago. I try to give them all my memorable jerseys or bats or balls or whatever the case may be.”

Bullpen buckles:

The Sox were 29-0 when leading after 7 innings this season.

The streak ended Sunday when the A's rallied from a 2-1 deficit with 2 runs in the eighth inning and 2 in the ninth.

Tommy Kahnle, David Robertson and Chris Beck combined to give up the 4 runs (3 earned).

“Our bullpen's doing a great, it really is,” manager Rick Renteria said. “I think you can't take away from what they've been doing for us all year long. We've been going to them a lot.”

Beck exited the game with two outs in the ninth inning after being hit by a Khris Davis line drive on his left hamstring. He's day to day.

Rodon returns:

After making 4 minor-league rehabilitation starts, Carlos Rodon was back with the White Sox on Sunday.

He is expected to come off the disabled list (left-biceps bursitis) and start Wednesday against the New York Yankees.

“I haven't played here all year,” Rodon said. “I'm going to be a little geeked up and ready to go. Plus, I get to face the Yankees, a good team, good swinging bats there.”