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White Sox avoid series sweep against Indians

Apr 5, 2007 - 10:03 PM CHICAGO (Ticker) -- The Chicago White Sox avoided being swept by a fierce rival, although they certainly did not do it in typical fashion.

A.J. Pierzynski forced home the game-winning run when he was plunked by Roberto Hernandez with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning, lifting the White Sox to a 4-3 victory over the Cleveland Indians.

Scott Podsednik, Paul Konerko and Tadahito Iguchi all drove in runs for the White Sox, who managed just five hits but still avoided suffering a three-game series sweep here to the Indians for the first time since 1999.

With the game tied, 3-3, Hernandez (0-1) opened the ninth by allowing back-to-back singles to Jermaine Dye and Joe Crede. Moments later, Hernandez's pickoff attempt of pinch runner Rob Mackowiak at second base went into center field, allowing the runners to advance one base.

Iguchi was intentionally walked to load the bases for Pierzynski, who was nicked on the left elbow by a 1-0 fastball, plating Mackowiak with the winning run.

White Sox closer Bobby Jenks (1-0) pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings to record the win, not allowing a hit while walking one and striking out two.

However, Chicago's first win of the season may have come with a heavy price. White Sox starter Mark Buehrle was hit in the left forearm by a line drive off the bat of Ryan Garko with one out in the second inning. The lefthander was removed from the game and diagnosed with a contusion. He is listed as day-to-day.

Nick Masset was effective in relief of Buehrle, allowing one run and four hits over 4 2/3 innings. The righthander also struck out two.

Cleveland starter Jeremy Sowers struggled with his command but kept the White Sox in check for the most part. The southpaw allowed two runs, one hit and five walks while striking out one in six innings.

Grady Sizemore belted his third home run in as many games and Jason Michaels had three hits - including a solo homer - and two RBI for the Indians, who have not opened a season with three straight wins since going 6-0 to start the 1998 campaign.