Rios' two-run homer powers White Sox over Marlins

Posted May 21, 2010 11:00 pm

Scot Gregor

The White Sox were due for two, and they achieved that unimposing goal Saturday afternoon at U.S. Cellular Field.

Finally getting a quality start from Gavin Floyd, along with another big offensive effort from Alex Rios and quality bullpen work from J.J. Putz, Sergio Santos and Bobby Jenks, the Sox beat the Marlins 4-1 and won back-to-back games for the first time since April 24-25.

"Hopefully, things will start going our way and we can string together some wins and hopefully start pushing," Floyd said after allowing 1 run on 6 hits over 61/3 innings while winning for the first time since April 29.

Even if the White Sox were to lose to Florida on Sunday, they've already won the series. That's what they need to continue doing to overcome a dreadful start and get back in the AL Central race.

"Just start winning series," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "Win the most series you can. It's doesn't matter if you win five in row because then all of a sudden you lose 10. Try to win the most series you can. Stay positive and consistent and just take it one day at a time, don't get too high or low. Then you take a chance."

If the Sox do win Sunday, it would be their second three-game sweep of the season. They initially won three straight from Seattle on April 23-25.

"Everybody wants to win," Rios said. "We've won two in a row and it feels good. I think we're going to keep doing this and be consistent through the year. Winning series is pretty important and I think we're going to start with this one and keep rolling from now on."

Speaking of rolling, Rios continued his offensive tear Saturday with an RBI single in the third inning off Marlins starter Chris Volstad and a 2-run homer in the fifth.

Rios also stole a base, and he's batting .322 with 9 doubles, 6 home runs, 18 RBI and 13 stolen bases over his last 32 games.

"I predicted Alex was going to play good for us," Guillen said. "He's going to be more comfortable and have more fun. Last year was a tough year for him when he got here. This kid has unbelievable tools. I don't know if he knows how good he is.

"This guy can hit the ball all over the field, he's got power and he's a good outfielder. He's got everything you can ask. It's just a matter of time before he goes out there and shows people how good he is."

Is the same true for the White Sox?

"After we got beat twice by Anaheim (Wednesday and Thursday), to just come out here and face this team, it feels good to win a couple," Santos said. "Hopefully, this can jumpstart us and get us on a good roll."

Scot Gregor's game tracker

White Sox 4, Marlins 1

On the attack: Alex Rios did the bulk of the offensive damage, hitting an RBI single in the third inning and a 2-run homer in the fifth.

Home cooking: Gavin Floyd allowed 1 run in 61/3 innings. In his last 16 starts at U.S. Cellular Field, he is 7-2 with a 2.99 ERA.

Blast from the past: Bobby Jenks was throwing 98-mph fastballs while retiring Florida in order in the ninth inning and recording his seventh save.