Jenks can't keep Pirates down as late rally gives Pittsburgh 4-3 win

Posted May 24, 2009 11:00 pm

Scot Gregor

There's no such thing as a good loss, especially when it comes so late in the game.

So let's just say the the White Sox seemed to be more stunned than somber after failing to the Pirates 4-3 at U.S. Cellular Field on Sunday.

Closer Bobby Jenks entered the game in the ninth inning with a 3-2 lead, and after retiring the first two Pittsburgh hitters he faced on weak groundballs, the burly right-hander was on the verge of saving his 11th game in as many tries this season.

"Our chances were looking pretty good," said acting Sox manager Joey Cora.

That was before Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson homered on an 0-1 fastball to tie the game.

After that, Nyjer Morgan doubled and scored the deciding run on Delwyn Young's single.

Just like that, a three-game sweep over a light-hitting Pittsburgh club was out the window.

"Fastball that got away," Jenks said of the pitch to Wilson. "I tried to go away there and it came back middle up."

Jenks has blown up in the past after blowing rare save opportunities, but he kept his composure while talking with reporters.

"I'm OK," Jenks said. "Not the result we wanted, but we won the series and we had a great homestand. If I blow one of (11) save tries, that's a pretty good year."

Sox starter Mark Buehrle allowed just 1 run over 7 innings, but he allowed 12 hits. Fortunately for Buehrle, 11 of them were singles and the Sox were able to turn 2 double plays. Center fielder Scott Podsednik and right fielder Brian Anderson each threw out a runner to cap a solid defensive day.

"I think I got pretty lucky the whole game," Buehrle said. "Anytime you give up 12 hits in 7 innings and give up only 1 run, the defense has to be there. They played great behind me."

The White Sox' offense had to settle for Anderson's 2-run homer off Pirates starter Jeff Karstens in the second inning and Josh Fields' RBI single in the fifth.

It was a tough loss - an unexpected loss - but the Sox (19-24) still took two of three from the Pirates (20-24) and also won two of three from the Twins to open the homestand.

"We played a pretty good ballgame," Cora said. "Buehrle did a great job holding them to a run, but he was in trouble all day long. That's what makes him so special - he can get out of trouble.

"Tough one, but we won the series and that's what we have to keep doing."

Scot Gregor's game tracker Sunday's grade: C. Blame Bobby Jenks if you want, but the White Sox' right-hander has been as dependable as any closer in the game. Long and short: Brian Anderson was involved in all of the Sox' offense. He hit a 2-run homer in the second inning and scored in the fifth after reaching on a bunt single. Night is right: The White Sox have lost seven straight day games. Lock it down: The Sox are now 19-1 when leading after 8 innings. Scouting report White Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim TV: Comcast SportsNet today and Wednesday; Channel 26 Tuesday Radio: WSCR 670-AM Pitching matchups: The Sox' John Danks (3-3) vs. Ervin Santana (0-1) today at 8:05 p.m.; Bartolo Colon (2-4) vs. Joe Saunders (6-2) Tuesday at 9:05 p.m; Gavin Floyd (3-4) vs. Jered Weaver (3-2) Wednesday at 9:05 p.m. At a glance: The White Sox played much better on their homestand vs. the Twins and Pirates, but they've got to pick it up on the road. The Sox have lost five straight away from home and 10 of their last 11. The White Sox were 2-2 at L.A. last season. Angels slugger Vladimir Guerrero (torn right chest muscle) is expected to return to the lineup tonight. He's been out since early April. Next: Kansas Coty Royals, Friday-Sunday at Kauffman Stadium

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