Dylan Axelrod fans 8, but White Sox pen blows lead against Tigers

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In his first major-league start, right-hander Dylan Axelrod went six innings and gave up two runs and six hits. | John J. Kim~Sun-Times

Updated: November 10, 2011 10:26AM

Lost in the muck of the Tigers’ come-from-behind 6-5 victory Wednesday against the White Sox was a keeper of a first start for rookie right-hander Dylan Axelrod.

“It’s nice to get individual accolades like wins and things, but it’s a team game,’’ said Axelrod, 26, who left after six innings with a 5-2 lead. “Unfortunately, we came out on the losing end, but I was happy with what I did and just want to continue to build off that.’’

Two years ago, Axelrod was pitching for the southwest suburban Windy City Thunderbolts of the Independent League, which is only a cut or two above beer-league baseball.

After throwing two scoreless innings in his major-league debut at Minnesota last week, the soft tosser struck out eight, walked two and allowed six hits. Axelrod, a nephew of sports agent Barry Axelrod, didn’t blink after giving up a homer to Carlos Guillen to start the second inning. Axelrod retired the next seven Tigers in order, starting with a strikeout of Sox pest Wilson Betemit.

“It’s a shame,’’ manager Ozzie Guillen said. “This kid’s pitching very well, and we just blew it for him. Very nice day, you see this kid having success in his first time in the big leagues and, poof, another bad day for the White Sox.’’

Reed between the lines

Unlike Axelrod’s odyssey, Addison Reed’s track to the big leagues was lightning-quick. His differences when compared to Axelrod don’t end there.

A September call-up, Reed is tall, throws 96 mph and has enough good stuff to make the team next season.

“Great future. Wow,’’ Guillen said. “He came through the minor-league system so fast, and now I see why. Every time out there, he looks better — and facing good hitters, too. If this guy stays healthy, I don’t see why he can’t be here in the bullpen next year. Good stuff, makeup, and he’s not afraid. This kid has a great chance.’’

2012 schedule

The Sox open the 2012 season on April 6 at Texas, then head to Cleveland for three games before their home opener April 13 against the Tigers.

The tentative schedule released Tuesday includes interleague series at St. Louis (June 12-14) and Los Angeles (June 15-17).

The Sox play at the Cubs May 18-20 and host the Cubs June 18-20. (The full schedule is on page 46.)