CHICAGO (AP) – Gary Matthews Jr. doubled home the go-ahead run off Bobby Jenks in the ninth inning, and the Texas Rangers handed the Chicago White Sox their fourth straight loss, 4-3 on Friday night.

The winning rally started when Chicago’s Brandon McCarthy (2-3) walked Ian Kinsler with one out. Jenks, the White Sox’s closer came on and gave up a double to Matthews on the first pitch to lead the Rangers to their sixth win in eight games.

The hit made a winner of Francisco Cordero (5-3), who allowed one hit in one scoreless inning of relief. Akinori Otsuka pitched the ninth for his 10th save in 11 opportunities.

The White Sox had the tying run on base after A.J. Pierzynski singled with two out in bottom of the ninth, but Paul Konerko popped to second baseman Kinsler in short right.

Texas’ Brad Wilkerson hit his 11th home run – a two-run shot in the second inning. It was the 17th homer allowed by White Sox starter Jon Garland, who began the day one behind Baltimore’s Bruce Chen for the major league lead.

Matthews and Mark Teixeira had two hits apiece for the Rangers.

The White Sox scored three runs in the fourth on a bases-loaded single by Ross Gload and RBI grounders by Juan Uribe and Brian Anderson to take a 3-2 lead.

Garland was effective, if not spectacular, allowing three runs on five hits in 6 2-3 innings but did not figure in the decision. He left to a loud ovation after walking Matthews with the White Sox ahead 3-2.

However, a bullpen that allowed six runs the previous night couldn’t hold this one, either.

Michael Young knocked the first pitch from Jeff Nelson down the left-field line to drive in Matthews. Nelson then intentionally walked Teixeira, before Neal Cotts retired Hank Blalock on a fielder’s choice grounder to short.

Texas starter Kameron Loe allowed three runs and 10 hits in six innings.

After losing five of seven at Toronto and Cleveland, the White Sox were glad to be back home, where they were a major league leading 19-6 before Friday’s game. But their troubles continued. The four-game slide matches their season high.

Chicago’s Jermaine Dye extended his hitting streak to seven games with a single and double and scored a run. Tadahito Iguchi had two hits after going 4-for-23 on the trip. And Konerko, Gload and Pierzynski also had two apiece.

White Sox designated hitter Jim Thome was scratched from the lineup with a strain in the left quadriceps and adductor area, which he suffered during Thursday’s 12-8 loss at Cleveland. But manager Ozzie Guillen was “pretty sure” the slugger would start on Saturday.

Notes: With Thome out, Konerko served as the designated hitter, Gload started at first and Pierzynski batted third. … The White Sox’s home game against the Los Angeles Angels that was rained out on May 11 was rescheduled for Aug. 7. … Rangers manager Buck Showalter said RHP Kevin Millwood, bothered by a stiff back, looked “a little better” Friday and should be ready to start against Kansas City on Tuesday. Millwood was initially scheduled to pitch on Sunday.

AP-ES-06-02-06 2341EDT