Thanks to a walk-off RBI single from Orlando Hudson, the Chicago White Sox defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 on Thursday night at U.S. Cellular Field. The victory helps Chicago to avoid a sweep and extend its lead over the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central standings.
While the two teams traded leads early, the White Sox entered the bottom of the ninth in a tie game after the Blue Jays had threatened in the top frame. Hudson came through with two outs, though, knocking in Dayan Viciedo after a crucial wild pitch by Francisco Cordero allowed him to advance a base.
The White Sox initially led 1-0 after the first inning, but they needed a two-run homer from Alex Rios in the sixth inning to tie the game back up at 3-3 after the Blue Jays had opened up a two-run lead with three runs in the third inning.
Both teams put a runner in scoring position in the ninth inning, but it was Chicago that capitalized on its opportunity. Sox closer Addison Reed allowed a double to Jose Bautista with two outs in the top of the ninth, but he struck out Kelly Johnson to end the inning.
Rios was the lead performer for Chicago on Thursday, going 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBI against his former team. The White Sox also got two hits apiece from Hudson and Paul Konerko, who made his return to the lineup after a few days off.
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