Randal Grichuk hit a go-ahead two-run home run with two outs in the top of the ninth inning Saturday night for the Chicago White Sox, helping them beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-5 and snap a four-game losing streak.
Grichuk went deep with a 1-2 count against closer Riley O’Brien, taking a sinker just over the fence to the opposite field in right, with outfielder Victor Scott II also losing his glove over the fence.
Grichuk’s 13th home run, against the team that brought him to the majors, trumped a tie-breaking solo shot by Cardinals rookie Leo Bernal against Grant Taylor in the bottom of the eighth.
The White Sox (76-72) increased their lead in the AL Central over Cleveland to 1 1/2 games after the Guardians fell 4-3 at Minnesota. The White Sox, trying to make the playoffs after losing at least 100 games in three straight seasons, had led the division by 5 1/2 games before dropping nine of 12.
Another former Cardinals player, right-hander Jordan Hicks (3-2), walked a batter but also got one out for the victory. Bryan Hudson got three outs for his eighth save, including a strikeout of pinch-hitter Jordan Walker.
Kyle Teel worked a leadoff walk in the ninth against O’Brien, with Brenton Doyle pinch-running for Teel and stealing second base on a pitchout after one out. Doyle initially was called out at second but shortstop Masyn Winn dropped Bernal’s throw on the tag at the bag.
One out later, Grichuk came to the rescue.
O’Brien (3-8) blew his eighth save in 44 chances for the Cardinals (73-76), who have lost six of nine to fall 7 1/2 back of the last National League wild-card spot.
The White Sox went 3-for-11 with runners in scoring position and stranded nine, squandering seven walks and three hit batters by Cardinals pitchers. Chicago went 0-for-8 with 12 left on base in the series opener.
The White Sox overcame another poor outing from right-hander Luis Castillo, who allowed three runs, four hits and three walks in 2 2/3 innings of relief.
Winn had two hits and drove in a pair of runs for the Cardinals, who also got three hits from Nathan Church.
