Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Alex Rios clubbed a two-run homer and added an RBI single, as the Chicago White Sox defeated Florida, 4-1, in the second portion of a three-game interleague series at U.S. Cellular Field.
Gavin Floyd (2-4) gave up one run on six hits with two walks and seven strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings for the White Sox, who have won consecutive games for the first time since sweeping the Mariners at home from April 23-25.
"I think in the second inning he started to throw the ball the way we know he can throw the ball," said White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen about Floyd. "I think he had more confidence, he let the ball go. When Gavin throws fastball then the breaking ball for strikes, this kid has good stuff."
Cameron Maybin knocked in the lone run for the Marlins, who have lost three in a row and four of six. Jorge Cantu finished 2-for-3 with a walk, while Chris Volstad (3-5) dropped his third straight start after allowing three runs on seven hits in six full frames.
The White Sox grabbed a 1-0 lead in the third. Gordon Beckham reached on an infield single to begin the inning, stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored when Rios stroked a two-out single to center.
Rios delivered again with two outs in the fifth. Beckham, leading off the frame, got hit by a pitch, and after Volstad retired the next two batters, Rios deposited an offering over the wall in left-center.
"That was the only one that was up around the belt all day," said Volstad. "The majority of the time, it was down in the zone or in the dirt. That one just was up. That was probably the pitch of the game."
Florida attempted to rally two innings later. Wes Helms led off the seventh with a single, hustled to second on a groundout and raced home when Maybin lined a base hit to right.
Matt Thornton succeeded Floyd and walked Chris Coghlan, the lone batter he faced. J.J. Putz took over on the mound and struck out Gaby Sanchez before Hanley Ramirez lined out to end the inning.
The White Sox picked up an insurance run in the eighth on an RBI double by Carlos Quentin.
Bobby Jenks hurled a perfect ninth to record his seventh save of the campaign.
Floyd improved to 5-1 in eight career interleague starts. He has allowed one earned run or less in six of those eight outings...The White Sox and the Marlins have split eight all-time meetings.