Rios' HR only hit off Romero in Sox 4-2 loss

Posted April 13, 2010 11:00 pm

Alex Rios had mixed emotions about breaking up former teammate Ricky Romero's no-hit effort.

Romero became the latest Toronto pitcher to take a no-hit try into the late innings, losing his bid in the eighth when Rios homered in the Blue Jays' 4-2 victory over the White Sox on Tuesday night.

"It's kind of mixed feelings," Rios said. "It's another team that you have to play and beat, but at the same time you know the guy. I don't even know how to explain it."

Romero was on a much more even keel afterward.

"It just wasn't one of those nights where it was destined to happen for me and maybe it never will be," he said. "To come that close, it's pretty cool. It's an awesome feeling."

Romero struck out a career-high 12, walked two and was in complete control until hitting A.J. Pierzynski with a pitch to start the eighth. Rios followed with a no-doubt drive to deep left for the Sox' only hit, ruffling Romero.

Rios spent most of last year with Toronto before the White Sox claimed him on waivers in August. It was his second homer of the season.

"It's just another game," Rios said. "I don't have anything against (Toronto). I was just playing a regular game. I don't have any different emotions because this was my team. It's just another team that I have to play."

Romero also had pitched well in his 2010 debut, limiting Texas to 1 run in 7 innings. The 25-year-old lefty made his major-league debut last season and went 13-9. He solidified his spot in the Toronto rotation with a 1.89 ERA in 5 starts during spring training.

"He had a great breaking ball," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. "The main thing was he was throwing strikes. He may be the best guy we've faced all year long."

Romero's previous career best for strikeouts was 9, set June 16 at Washington.

On Tuesday he had just a pair of 3-ball counts, walking Carlos Quentin in the fourth and Paul Konerko in the seventh inning.

"I'm not surprised (by) what he did tonight," Rios said. "He's pretty good. He can do that anytime he wants."

Blue Jays starter Ricky Romero is consoled by teammate Adam Lind after giving up a 2-run homer to Alex Rios in the eighth inning Tuesday night. Associated Press

Game Tracker

Blue Jays 4, White Sox 2

Blame it Rios: The Toronto fans have been ruthless to former Blue Jay Jose Rios upon his return. Hasn't helped. In the opener he responded with 3 hits and on Tuesday, not only did Rios break up Ricky Romero's no-hit bid in the eighth inning, but he did it by blasting a 2-run homer. Ouch, eh?

No hitters: The Sox starting lineup Tuesday featured four players now hitting below .200.

Nice line: Scott Linebrink provided a bright spot by tossing 2 innings of 1-hit ball.