The Chicago White Sox (45-37) continued their winning ways on Thursday afternoon. A sudden Chicago storm ripped through U.S. Cellular Field, but RP Addison Reed (S, 12) beat the final three batters, sealing a 2-1 win over the Texas Rangers (50-33).
SP Jose Quintana (W, 4-1) twirled another gem, lasting 8.0 innings while striking out 8 batters, walking 1 and allowing only 1 run on 2 hits. Quintana outdueled SP Matt Harrison (L, 11-4), who drew the complete game loss. Harrison pitched 8.0 innings with 5 strikeouts, 2 walks and a crucial homer that gave the Sox the lead.
Kevin Youkilis, starting at first base for the day, led the White Sox offense. In the fourth inning, he drew the one-out walk that would lead to Chicago's first run. And then in the sixth inning, he clobbered a line drive over the right field wall, where it clattered around the Rangers bullpen for the game-deciding home run.
With the win, the White Sox advance to 45-37, 2.5 games ahead of the Cleveland Indians who play Thursday night at 6:07 p.m. CDT.
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of this series, visit White Sox blog South Side Sox and Rangers blog Lone Star Ball. And for more general baseball coverage, head over to Baseball Nation.