Floyd wins for 1st time in 5 weeks in 4-3 win over Royals
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Gavin Floyd was all smiles in the White Sox' postgame clubhouse at Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday night.
And the Sox' tough-luck starter wasn't necessarily beaming about picking up his first win since May 22 after pitching 62/3 innings against the Royals and allowing 2 earned runs.
The day before, Floyd learned that he and his wife, Leanna, will be having a son in November, their first child.
"I could not be happier," Floyd said after the White Sox ended their two-game slide with a 4-3 victory. "My smile was ear to ear, all day yesterday and today. It's amazing what God can do."
On the field, Floyd had an amazing run over his last 4 starts before Tuesday, allowing just 3 earned runs in 29 innings. But due to a lack of run support, the right-hander was 0-1 over the sizzling stretch.
The Sox scored 3 runs in the second inning off Royals starter Brian Bannister and added another run in the fourth to make it 4-0.
"(Floyd's) been pitching great," said second baseman Gordon Beckham, who singled home the White Sox' second run. "He deserves it. And then we found out he was going to have a baby boy (Monday) night. We're all happy for him."
The Sox were equally giddy about getting back in the win column, especially after the two-game losing streak that followed 11 wins in a row.
"We're right back where we want to be," Beckham said. "We played a hard game and eked it out."
The Royals are well on their way to their 16th losing season in 17 years, but they always seem to give the White Sox fits.
That was the case again Tuesday, as they rallied for 3 runs on 4 hits and a throwing error by right fielder Carlos Quentin in the fifth inning.
Kansas City came into the game tied with Texas for the highest batting average (.283) in the American League.
"They're good hitters," Floyd said. "I was cruising for a little bit and it turned. I just tried to keep attacking, but it's a fast infield and the ball shoots through the holes. And they put the bat on the ball."
Fortunately for Floyd, Matt Thornton and J.J. Putz combined for 21/3 innings of scoreless relief to make the 4-3 lead hold up. With Bobby Jenks still away from the team, Putz recorded his first four-out save since Sept. 22, 2007.
"I think they played better without me," said manager Ozzie Guillen, who was ejected by home-plate umpire Tim Timmons in the fourth inning. "Finally, we scored a couple of runs (for Floyd). He was erratic that one inning, but he threw the ball very, very well.
"With this ballclub (Royals), you can't be erratic. They're going to swing at pitches and attack you."
<p class="factboxheadblack">Scot Gregor's game tracker</p>
<p class="News">White Sox 4, Royals 3</p>
<p class="News"><b>Finally for Floyd:</b> After allowing 2 earned runs in 62/3 innings, Gavin Floyd won for the first time since May 22. Floyd was 0-1 over his last 4 starts despite allowing just 3 earned runs in 29 innings.</p>
<p class="News"><b>Soft in the middle:</b> No. 3 hitter Alex Rios (0-for-4) and Paul Konerko (1-for-4) are a combined 2-for-16 in the series.</p>
<p class="News"><b>Early exit:</b> Home plate umpire Tim Timmons ran manager Ozzie Guillen in the fourth inning for arguing balls and strikes. Guillen has been ejected four times this season.</p>
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