The Chicago White Sox lost their third game straight on a ninth inning home run by Evan Longoria, as Chicago fell to Tampa Bay 3-to-2 at U.S. Cellular Field.

It was imperative for the White Sox to win on Thursday night, in order to stay in step with the Detroit Tigers, now two games ahead of Chicago, with just six games left to play. In losing the Sox made their road to the post-season much harder, and now rely on significant help from the Lions to make the playoffs.

Leading up to the ninth it was back-and-forth affair. Both teams scored in the forth and fifth innings respectively, and the game looked that way until starting pitcher Jake Peavy left the mound.

Peavy allowed two runs in 7.1 innings, striking out six. Brett Meyers entered the game in a good position, but gave up the critical run to Longoria to seal the game. Meanwhile for the Rays, James Shields walked four in 6.1 innings, also striking out six.

Tomorrow night the Sox are starting Gavin Floyd against Jeremy Hellickson in the second game of the series, where the White Sox are looking to stop this slide, and with a little luck from Detroit, make the post-season.