The Chicago White Sox (61-51) could not hold their late lead against the Oakland Athletics (61-52) Saturday night as they lost in a 9-7 heart-breaker at home.

SP Francisco Liriano lasted only 3.0 innings against the surging Oakland lineup, and he surrendered a total of 6 ER despite striking out 5 and walking only 3. But the White Sox lineup, with C A.J. Pierzynski hitting from the DH position, went 2 for 5, and C Tyler Flowers went 3 for 3 with a home run. With the catching duo slugging -- and 3B Kevin Youkilis cracking another home run -- the White Sox were able put together a 7-run comeback and entered the 8th inning with a 7-6 lead.

But RP Matt Thornton (L, 4-8) and RP Brett Myers combined to allow a total of 3 ER in the final two frames, leading to a 9-7 final and a White Sox loss. The loss gives the Detroit Tigers a chance to come into a first place tie with the White Sox in the AL Central.

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