Nix changes the script as Sox roll to 9-5 win
Having already seen the movie countless times, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen was prepared for another jolt of horror Thursday night at Fenway Park.
Trying to avoid a four-game sweep against the Red Sox, the White Sox loaded the bases with no outs in the second inning and were again positioned to break the game open.
But after Mark Kotsay hit a sacrifice fly to put the White Sox in front, Guillen had an eerie feeling.
"Sacrifice fly and a double play," Guillen said.
Fortunately for the White Sox, Jayson Nix strayed from the script and followed Kotsay with a 2-run double off the Green Monster in left field. And Scott Podsednik followed Nix with an RBI single off rookie starting pitcher Junichi Tazawa to make it 4-0.
The White Sox added 4 more runs in the third inning and went on to a 9-5 win.
"That was very important," Guillen said of Nix's big hit. "It started the rally and they kept going. I think we needed it. It was a must-win game."
The White Sox pulled within 4 games of the idle Tigers in the AL Central, and they are back alone in second place, a half-game in front of the Twins.
"That's a big win for us," Guillen told reporters. "We lost a couple games we had a chance to win and couldn't. That's a big win just for the momentum, to get this fire up, get this energy back, get the hope."
The White Sox jumped on Tazawa for 9 runs in 4 innings.
That was more than enough support for starter John Danks (12-8), who pitched 6 innings and allowed 2 runs on 6 hits.
Danks, 3-0 with a 1.95 ERA in his last 4 starts, echoed Guillen on the importance of getting a win.
"It helps us relax a little bit," Danks told reporters. "We have plenty of time but, at the same time, we can't be digging ourselves a hole."
After scoring 4 runs in the second inning, the White Sox added another 4 in the third when A.J. Pierzynski singled, went to third on Paul Konerko's double and scored on Jim Thome's sacrifice fly.
Carlos Quentin followed with a 2-run homer and Nix added a run-scoring single.
"Their guy (Tazawa) was on the ropes and we were ready to attack," Nix said.
Scouting report
White Sox vs. New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium
TV: Comcast SportsNet today and Sunday; Channel 9 Saturday
Radio: WSCR 670-AM
Pitching matchups: The Sox' Mark Buehrle (11-7) vs. CC Sabathia (15-7) today at 6:05 p.m.; TBA vs. Sergio Mitre (2-1) Saturday at 12:05 p.m.; Freddy Garcia (0-1) vs. Joba Chamberlain (8-4) Sunday at 12:05 p.m.
At a glance: After dropping three of four at Boston, the White Sox move on to face the AL East's other heavyweight. The Yankees (79-48) have the best record in baseball, they've won 17 of 23 and are 28-11 since the all-star break. The White Sox did win three of four vs. New York at U.S. Cellular Field July 30-Aug. 2, outscoring the Yankees 32-19. Gordon Beckham was 7-for-19 with 5 doubles and 7 RBI in the series. Buehrle is 0-4 with a 6.21 ERA in 6 starts since his perfect game. Either Carlos Torres or Daniel Hudson is likely to be called up from Class AAA Charlotte to start Saturday for the Sox.
Next: Minnesota Twins, Monday-Wednesday at the Metrodome
<p class="factboxheadblack">Scot Gregor's game tracker</p> <p class="News">White Sox 9, Red Sox 5</p> <p class="News"><b>Thursday's grade:</b> A. The White Sox needed a clutch hit and Jayson Nix delivered with a 2-run double in the second inning.</p> <p class="News"><b>Something to celebrate:</b> DH Jim Thome, who turned 39 Thursday, was 3-for-4 with 2 RBI.</p> <p class="News"><b>It's not easy being Green:</b> With the game out of hand, utility infielder Nick Green pitched 2 scoreless innings of relief for Boston.</p> <p class="News"><b>Turning the tide:</b> The White Sox have only won four of their last 15 vs. the Red Sox (two of nine at Fenway).</p> <div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=317176">Peavy could make debut next week vs. Red Sox<span class="date"> [8/27/09]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>