Boston bats go cold as White Sox take series

Boston

The Chicago White Sox had a tough time scoring runs during their weekend in Boston. However, the pitching staff came through to deliver a big series victory over the Red Sox.

Reynaldo Lopez pitched into the seventh inning, Daniel Palka had a two-run double and the White Sox beat the Red Sox 5-2 Sunday to win two of three games against one of the majors' best teams.

White Sox pitchers, who have the second-worst team ERA in the AL, held Boston to a combined .186 average in the series.

"It says a lot about our pitching," Palka said. "I don't know stats-wise, but you look at the lineup — that's the best lineup (in baseball). Our pitching did awesome."

Jose Abreu, Tim Anderson and Trayce Thompson added one RBI apiece for Chicago, which has won six of its last 10 overall. The White Sox finished their seven-game road trip at 4-3, capping their second winning trip of the season.

"If you get some pitching, you catch the ball as consistently as you possibly can, you get a little timely hitting, anything is possible," Chicago manager Rick Renteria said. "They've proven that over the last week or so."

Lopez (2-4) gave up two runs and six hits while striking out six with three walks in 61/3 innings to improve to 1-3 in eight road starts this season. Joakim Soria pitched a scoreless ninth for his eighth save.

Rafael Devers drove in a run for Boston, which has lost three of four.

Red Sox starter Rick Porcello (8-3) gave up three runs and five hits over six innings, walking three and striking out five.

Porcello didn't give up a hit in the third or sixth, but Chicago scored a run in each thanks to his three walks and one hit batsman.

"We went 1-for-26 with men in scoring position the whole series," Boston manager Alex Cora said. "That's the story of the whole series. We had our chances, we didn't take advantage of it and we lost the series."

Trainer's room

Red Sox: OF Mookie Betts (10-day DL, left abdominal strain) continues to progress towards a rehab assignment. Cora said Betts hit in the cage during Sunday's game and had "a great day." ... 2B Dustin Pedroia (10-day DL, left knee inflammation) still has discomfort, but will travel on the team's upcoming road trip. "It's been a slow process," Cora said.