Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - Alexei Ramirez was one of four players to drive in two runs, as the Chicago White Sox pounded Detroit, 12-2, in the opener of a day-night doubleheader at Comerica Park.
Ramirez, who collected four hits and scored three runs, was joined by Juan Pierre, Alex Rios and Gordon Beckham with two RBI. Mark Buehrle (10-8) gave up two runs on seven hits over 7 2/3 innings.
The White Sox began this four-game series with a slim one-game lead over Minnesota for first place in the AL Central.
Detroit's Rick Porcello (4-10) was rocked for seven runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 innings.
The Tigers have lost nine of their last 11 games.
Early on, It looked to be a promising outing for the struggling Porcello, who retired the first six batters in order, but everything fell apart in the third.
Ramirez led off with a single and Beckham drew a one-out walk before Pierre lined an RBI double to right-center field. Omar Vizquel followed with a sacrifice fly and Rios stroked an RBI single. Rios then stole second and came around to score when Paul Konerko grounded a single up the middle to increase the lead to 4-0.
Detroit got a run back in the bottom of the inning on an Austin Jackson single, but Beckham lofted a sac fly in the fourth to restore Chicago's four- run advantage.
Pierre jumped on a 1-1 curveball to start the fifth inning, sending it over the right-field wall for his first home run since September 15, 2008. His home run came after 809 at-bats without one.
One out later, Rios blasted his 17th home run of the season to make it 7-1.
The White Sox put up another four-spot in the seventh off reliever Enrique Gonzalez, with all the runs coming with two outs. Mark Kotsay hit a run- scoring single, Ramirez contributed a two-run double and scored on Beckham's single to center.
Dayan Viciedo homered off Detroit's Brad Thomas to give Chicago a 12-1 cushion in the eighth.
A Jeff Frazier RBI single in the home half of the inning accounted for the final score.
Buehrle is 7-2 in his last nine decisions...Buehrle has won at least 10 games for the 10th consecutive season, joining CC Sabathia as the only active pitchers to accomplish that feat...Jackson had three hits for Detroit, which opened a 10-game homestand...Porcello is 0-6 in his last eight starts...Chicago opened an eight-game road trip...The White Sox lead the season series, 4-1...Chicago placed reliever Erick Threets on the 15-day disabled list with turf toe and recalled pitcher Carlos Torres from Triple-A Charlotte. Torres is scheduled to start the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader.