CHICAGO (AP) — Gavin Floyd outpitched Tim Wakefield, A.J. Pierzynski hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the seventh, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Boston Red Sox 3-1 on Friday night.
Chicago’s seventh straight victory over Boston and 14th in the last 16 games between the teams denied the 44-year-old knuckleballing Wakefield his 200th career win.
Floyd (9-9) won his third straight start. He gave up a run and three hits in seven innings, including a homer to Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and ran his career record against the Red Sox to 6-0.
Wakefield (6-4) also allowed three hits in seven innings. But his wild pitch in the sixth helped set up the tying run on Paul Konerko’s sacrifice fly. And he walked Carlos Quentin to start the bottom of the seventh before Pierzynski drove his fifth homer of the season into the right-center field seats to give the White Sox a two-run lead.
Matt Thornton pitched the eighth and Sergio Santos the ninth for his 22nd save in 25 games.
The Red Sox played without major league RBIs and batting average leader Adrian Gonzalez, a late lineup scratch with a stiff neck. Dustin Pedroia went 0 for 4 and his 25-game hitting streak was snapped.
Saltalamacchia worked a 3-2 count off Floyd before hitting his ninth homer to give the Red Sox a 1-0 lead in the third.
The Red Sox threatened in the sixth, loading the bases as Marco Scutaro beat out an infield single and Jacoby Ellsbury and David Ortiz walked before Floyd threw a called third strike past Kevin Youklis.
Wakefield held the White Sox hitless through 3 2-3 innings before Adam Dunn singled in the fourth, and Chicago didn’t get another hit until Juan Pierre had a bunt single to start the bottom of the sixth. Switch-hitting Omar Vizquel, batting right-handed against the right-handed Wakefield, sacrificed before Pierre made third on a wild pitch. Konerko then delivered his sacrifice fly to left.
Notes: Reliever Jason Frasor, acquired in a trade with Toronto on Wednesday, said he was ecstatic to join the White Sox and be in a pennant race. A Chicago native who has family in the suburbs, Frasor said he wasn’t sure what his role would be. He didn’t expect to land back in his hometown. “It’s nice to be wanted. I think when get traded they always ask, ‘Why did I get traded, why me?’ I don’t feel that way. …” Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen said he told 44-year-old Vizquel if he keeps playing the way he has for the White Sox he could go another three years in the majors. Vizquel was batting .271 before starting at third base Friday night and the 11-time Gold Glove winner is still a slick fielder, making a couple of nice plays. Guillen also lauded Vizquel’s influence on younger players. … Saltalamaccchia’s homer was Boston’s 68th on the road this season. … Youklis, moved from third to first after Gonzalez was scratched, made a nice diving stop on Alejandro De Aza’s grounder in the fourth. … Wakefield is now 7-13 in his career against the White Sox.
Gonzalez scratched with stiff neck
Boston Red Sox star Adrian Gonzalez has been scratched with a stiff neck.
Kevin Youklis moved from third base to first to replace Gonzalez for Friday night’s game at the Chicago White Sox. Drew Sutton was inserted into the lineup at third, batting eighth. Designated hitter David Ortiz moved up from fifth to Gonzalez’s customary No. 3 slot in the batting order.
Gonzalez leads the majors in average (.352) and RBIs (87).
Buchholz to see back specialist
Boston Red Sox right-hander Clay Buchholz will visit back specialist Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles on Monday, manager Terry Francona said Friday.
Buchholz, who has been on the disabled list since June 17 with a lower back strain, threw a 30-pitch bullpen session Monday. He has not thrown since and won’t until he sees Watkins.
Francona said shortstop Jed Lowrie, who hasn’t played since June 16 because of a sore left shoulder, should be able to start his rehab with Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday.
Right-handed reliever Bobby Jenks received an injection for his tight back and Francona said it “hit the spot.” Jenks has made 19 appearances this season. Left fielder Carl Crawford was back in the starting lineup Friday night against Chicago after missing two starts with a left elbow strain.

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