ChiSox rally past Indians to notch sixth straight win

Source: Agencies  |   2008-7-3  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

THE Chicago White Sox staged a late rally against the Cleveland Indians to register a sixth straight victory on Tuesday, the home team scoring twice in the bottom of the 10th inning to seal a 3-2 triumph.

Alexei Ramirez hit a two-out home run to tie the game and Orlando Cabrera won it with an RBI single for the streaking American League Central leaders, who improved to 48-35 and lead the second-place Minnesota Twins by 2-1/2 games.

The disappointing Indians were one out from victory when Cleveland closer Joe Borowski allowed Ramirez's homer to tie the game. Cleveland left fielder Ben Francisco went back to the fence like he might have a play, but the ball just sailed over to tie the game.

Pinch hitter DeWayne Wise then singled, stole second and scored on Cabrera's single to center field, much to the delight of 25,502 fans.

Elsewhere in the AL, it was: Rangers 3, Yankees 2; Orioles 7, Royals 5; Rays 3, Red Sox 1; Twins 6, Tigers 4; Angels 5, Athletics 3; and Mariners 7, Blue Jays 6.

In the National League, it was: Phillies 8, Braves 3; Nationals 9, Marlins 6; Pirates 6, Reds 5 (in 11 innings); Dodgers 7, Astros 6 (11 innings); Mets 7, Cardinals 4; Rockies 4, Padres 0; Brewers 8, Diamondbacks 6; and Giants 2, Cubs 1.

In Chicago, Casey Blake had given Cleveland the lead with a solo homer in the top of the extra inning but the Indians could not hold on for victory as their poor season continues.

"They're (the Sox) having a pretty special year," Blake said. "It kind of reminds me of how we were playing last year. It seems like we found a way to win all the time."

Considered one of the preseason favorites for a playoff berth, the Indians (37-47) are last in the division after falling 10 games under .500 and have lost four straight contests to languish 11 games behind Chicago.

Cleveland starter Cliff Lee entered the game with an 11-1 record but was matched by John Danks (5-4) in a tight battle for eight innings.

Lee allowed one run on six hits with three strikeouts and one walk while Danks allowed one run on four hits with eight strikeouts and a walk, with both pitchers leaving after eight innings with the score tied 1-1.

Kelly Shoppach's sixth inning homer snapped Danks' scoreless innings streak at 16, with the left-hander tying career highs in both innings pitched and strikeouts.

Danks, however, was just happy to see his team get the win. "It was very dramatic. I was just happy to see that home run (by Ramirez) get out."

Adam Russell (1-0) got one out in the 10th and was credited with the win.

In Atlanta, Georgia, Shane Victorino hit a home run and drove in four runs and the Phillies beat the Braves to remain unbeaten at Turner Field this season.

Pat Burrell also hit a homer for the Phillies, who improved to 6-1 against the Braves this season. They are 4-0 in Atlanta.

Chipper Jones was 1-for-3 with a double and two walks in his return after missing eight straight starts with a strained right quadriceps. Mark Kotsay came off the disabled list after missing 33 games since May 26 and went 0-for-4.

Phillies scored five runs on eight hits in the first three innings against rookie Charlie Morton (1-2).