Youkilis’ RBI hit gives Sox 5-4 win over Rangers in 10
BY DARYL VAN SCHOUWEN dvanschouwen@suntimes.com July 4, 2012 9:42PM
Chicago White Sox's A.J. Pierzynski, right, collides with Texas Rangers catcher Mike Napoli, knocking the ball out of Napoli's control to score on an RBI-single hit by teammate Alexei Ramirez, during the second inning of a baseball game on Wednesday, July 4, 2012, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Brian Kersey)
Updated: July 4, 2012 10:29PM
Kevin Youkilis singled in Alejandro De Aza with the winning run in the 10th inning on Wednesday night, giving the White Sox a 5-4 victory against the Texas Rangers in a matchup of first-place teams at U.S. Cellular Field.
De Aza walked against Mike Adams and stole second base, setting up Youkilis’ heroics. Youkilis also had a strong game in the field at third base.
The Sox put four on the board in the second, highlighted by Gordon Beckham’s two-run double that scored Alexei Ramirez and Dayan Viciedo and gave the Sox a 4-3 lead. Ramirez had singled to drive in A.J. Pierzynski, who was safe on right fielder David Murphy’s throw after crashing into and through catcher Mike Napoli.
Kevin Youkilis had his second good night in a Sox home uniform, making two exceptional plays at third base behind Axelrod in the fifth. Youkilis singled in the fifth and was intentionally walked by lefty Robbie Ross with Ramirez on second and Dunn up, a strategy that worked as Dunn was called out on strikes.
Sox starter Dylan Axelrod gave up three runs in the first after retiring the first two batters. Four consecutive hits, including a two-run double by Michael Young, put the Sox in a 3-0. After the Sox scored four in an entertaining half of the second to give him the lead, Axelrod allowed a homer to Josh Hamilton on an 0-2 pitch.
Axelrod finished well, exiting after 5 2/3 innings and the score tied at 4.
It was the Sox’ second win against the Rangers in two nights.
