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White Sox beat Rays 6-5 on walk-off walk

Aug 5, 2015 - 11:17 PM CHICAGO (AP) Avisail Garcia got the Chicago White Sox started - and finished off the Tampa Bay Rays, too.

Garcia hit a three-run homer in Chicago's five-run first inning and had a bases-loaded walk in the 10th to give the White Sox a 6-5 victory over Tampa Bay on Wednesday.

Garcia drew the winning walk off closer Brad Boxberger (5-6) to end Chicago's three-game losing streak.

''I think that last at-bat was pretty important to win the game,'' Garcia said. ''That's why we're here. We've been fighting, fighting, fighting.''

In the 10th, Adam Eaton singled and stole second base and advanced to third when catcher Curt Casali's throw struck shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera in the right side of the face, knocking him to the ground, and later from the game. Cabrera was cleared of a concussion following the game.

Boxberger then intentionally walked Jose Abreu and Melky Cabrera to load the bases with one out before walking Garcia. Boxberger didn't agree with manager Kevin Cash's strategy.

''I was already struggling to throw strikes,'' Boxberger said. ''I don't really get walking Cabrera, but it's not my choice.''

Chicago closer David Robertson (5-3) had four strikeouts in two hitless innings.

After falling behind 5-0 in the first, the Rays tied it in the eighth inning, scoring their fifth two-out run of the game. Brandon Guyer had an RBI double off reliever Zach Duke.

Cabrera, who had four hits, got the Rays to 5-4 in the fifth with an RBI double. Evan Longoria homered two batters earlier off starter Carlos Rodon, who was pulled after working 4 2-3 innings and for being what manager Robin Ventura termed ''erratic''.

Before the 10th inning walks gave the White Sox the win, Robertson held the Rays in check after struggling on Monday when took the loss in the series opener. Wednesday's outing was much different.

''The team really needed someone to hold those innings (the 9th and 10th) right there,'' Robertson said. ''We were fortunate to get a run there in the last (inning).''

A NEW BAT

The Rays claimed INF/OF Daniel Nava off waivers from Boston and optioned OF Mikie Mahtook to Triple-A Durham. Nava, 32 was designated for assignment by Boston on July 28. Nava was hitting .152 in 29 games with the Red Sox.

NOT FOR SALE

White Sox manager Robin Ventura stressed Wednesday that struggling ace Chris Sale is fine physically. Over his past two starts, Sale has allowed 14 earned runs in 10 1-3 innings.

When asked, Ventura explained why he didn't see Sale getting skipped in the rotation.

''I know in the past we've done that, but that's with his velocity. He'd start getting really, low 90s, almost 80s at some point, where most of his pitches were like that. That's not what it is,'' Ventura said.

''I think for him, again you take your chances with a guy like that. I mean, if it's something physical, we'd definitely do that. We're always going to err on the side for him to do that, but he doesn't feel that way and we don't feel that way.''

TRAINER'S ROOM

Rays: OF Desmond Jennings (left knee bursitis) went 1-for-3 as a designated hitter for Triple-A Durham on Tuesday night and is scheduled to DH on Wednesday as he continues his rehab assignment. ... LHP Drew Smyly (torn left labrum) is scheduled to make his third minor league rehab start on Thursday.

White Sox: LHP Nate Jones was activated from the 60-day disabled list Wednesday. Jones hasn't pitched in the major leagues since April 3, 2014 and has been recovering from Tommy John surgery since undergoing the procedure on July 29 of last year. RHP Daniel Webb (back strain) was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday. Webb is 0-1 with a 2.49 ERA in 17 relief appearances.

UP NEXT

Rays: RHP Jake Odorizzi (6-6) is 4-2 in his last six starts and will be looking for his third straight win on Friday against the New York Mets.

White Sox: LHP John Danks (6-8) is 3-6 in road starts this season, but will be going for his second straight win away from home Friday against the Kansas City Royals.