Miguel Vargas hit a go-ahead solo home run in the sixth inning and Sean Burke pitched effectively into the seventh as the Chicago White Sox edged the visiting Cleveland Guardians 2-1 on Tuesday.
Chicago secured a series victory against Cleveland while taking a one-game lead on the Guardians atop the American League Central. Cleveland came to town with a one-game edge in the division.
Left-hander Parker Messick delivered 7 2/3 innings of two-run ball, but the Guardians were unable to support him, losing for the fourth time in five games.
Kahlil Watson and Austin Hedges contributed two hits apiece to help the Guardians out-hit the White Sox 6-3. But Chicago benefited from a timely attack, with no moment more clutch than Vargas’ at-bat leading off the sixth.
The first baseman sent a 2-1 pitch from Messick into the left field stands for his 17th home run of the season. It was the last of three hits allowed by Messick (7-4), who walked one and struck out a career-high 10.
Sean Newcomb recorded the save with 2 2/3 scoreless, hitless innings with one walk and two strikeouts. White Sox closer Seranthony Dominguez, who blew saves on Sunday and Monday, was not available.
Burke improved to 5-4 after spacing one run and six hits in 6 1/3 innings. He walked one and struck out six.
Burke and Messick worked effectively from the beginning of the game.
Burke retired the first six Guardians he faced before allowing a Steven Kwan double leading off the third and hitting Hedges with a pitch. Burke worked out of trouble, however, after a sacrifice bunt moved two men into scoring position.
Messick set down the first 10 White Sox but later surrendered the first run of the game on Colson Montgomery’s two-out RBI single in the fourth.
The Guardians needed little time to respond, as Watson led off the fifth with a solo shot to right field, his first career home run.
Chicago has won 22 of its past 26 games at home.
