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Rookies spark White Sox, but Jenks fails to break record

Aug 21, 2007 - 4:22 AM CHICAGO (Ticker) -- A trio of rookies helped the Chicago White Sox avoid their longest losing streak in 16 years, but Bobby Jenks could not make history.

Danny Richar hit a game-tying solo homer and Josh Fields delivered the go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning as the White Sox posted a 4-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Monday.

Richar, who hit a grand slam against the Seattle Mariners on Friday for his first career home run, blasted a solo homer to right-center off David Riske (1-3) to tie the game at 3-3 in the seventh.

The next batter, Jerry Owens, reached on a bunt single and stole second base before scoring on Fields' single to center for a 4-3 lead.

"They have been playing better," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. "They make things happen. They come out and give you a little energy. They make it easier for the big boys."

Owens had three hits and two steals for Chicago, which avoided losing nine straight for the first time since August 19-28, 1991.

"It feels weird," Guillen said of snapping the losing streak.

"I forget the last time we shook hands. I forgot what to do, I was confused. Even though we had a real bad road trip, most of the games we lost by one run because we didn't have clutch hitting, or a pitch to get out of the inning. We didn't play that bad, we just didn't win games."

Matt Thornton (4-4) pitched 1 1/3 innings to pick up the win and three relievers bridged the gap to Jenks, who remained tied for the major league record of 41 consecutive hitters retired after allowing a leadoff single to Joey Gathright in the ninth.

Jenks received a standing ovation for his accomplishment and then retired the next three hitters for his 34th save in 39 chances.

"I am part of something special," Jenks said. "I'm sharing part of a record that might not have happened for me or somebody else for a long time."

Jenks, who had not pitched since August 10 because of the team's struggles, is tied with Jim Barr, who retired 41 straight batters in 1972 for the San Francisco Giants.

The White Sox got on the board first as Scott Podsednik blasted a two-run homer in the fifth inning off Kansas City starter Gil Meche - his 10th of the season - for a 2-0 lead.

However, the Royals' Emil Brown answered the next inning with a two-run shot of his own off Mark Buehrle to tie the game.

Alex Gordon followed with a double to right, chasing Buehrle from the game. Eric Wasserman came in and hit John Buck and, after a fielder's choice, Thornton allowed a go-ahead single to Gathright to put Kansas City ahead, 3-2.

Buehrle, who is winless in his last three starts, allowed three runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings with four strikeouts and two walks.

"The guy that pitched for them is pretty good," Royals manager Buddy Bell said. "We had some opportunities. Buehrle made some pitches when he had to. It's a tough loss."

Meche, who is winless in his last six starts, allowed two runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings with six strikeouts and two walks.