White Sox 7 - 2 Blue Jays
Final
  for this game

White Sox target rare series win in Toronto

Aug 16, 2012 - 2:58 PM

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(Sports Network) - Francisco Liriano attempts to pitch the Chicago White Sox to their first series win in Toronto in more than six years this evening when they close out a four-game set at Rogers Centre.

Chicago last took a series in Toronto back from Aug. 4-6, 2006. That was also the last season that White Sox won three straight games north of the border, a feat they could also accomplish tonight with another win.

After losing the first game of this series on Monday, the White Sox have bounced back with consecutive wins, including a thrilling victory on Wednesday that saw Adam Dunn tie-breaking home run in the seventh carry Chicago to the 9-5 triumph.

Dunn's three-run blast sent the White Sox to their third win in their last four games. His 34 home runs are tied with Texas' Josh Hamilton for the most in the league.

Dewayne Wise hit a two-run homer and knocked in a career-high four runs for Chicago, which leads the Detroit Tigers by two games in the American League Central.

Gavin Floyd (9-9) received the win after he held the Blue Jays to four runs -- three earned -- over six frames. He had eight strikeouts.

"He was getting ahead, getting them to chase," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said.

Ricky Romero (8-10) suffered another loss after surrendering six runs on eight hits and two walks in six-plus innings. His last win came June 22 at Miami.

"It feels like I haven't gotten rewarded all year, with anything that I do," said Romero. "(I'm) feeling good, I've had great weeks of workouts and bullpen sessions. I'm right where I want to be and obviously the numbers don't dictate."

Toronto has now lost seven of nine overall and tonight will rely on lefty Aaron Laffey, who is 3-3 with a 4.72 ERA. Laffey lost for the second time in three starts on Saturday against the New York Yankees, as he allowed five runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings. He also walked four and struck out two in the loss.

Laffey lost to the White Sox the last time he faced them and is a mere 3-4 in 15 games (6 starts) against them with a 3.20 ERA.

Liriano, meanwhile, is still searching for his first win as a member of the White Sox after being dealt from Minnesota just prior to the non-waiver trade deadline. He hasn't recorded a decision in his three starts with Chicago, but has pitched to a 5.65 ERA.

The left-hander was awful on Saturday against Oakland, as he was hit for six runs and seven hits and walked three batters in 3 1/3 innings of a 9-7 loss.

Chicago, though, had won his first two starts.

The White Sox are 5-4 this season against the Blue Jays.






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