Morning Box Score: Rays Slam Sox

By Matt Motyka in News on Apr 18, 2009 3:00PM

The Chicago White Sox couldn't out-muscle the Tampa Bay Rays Friday night, losing 6-5. Carlos Quentin led off the sixth inning with a solo shot, giving the Sox a 3-2 advantage. Jim Thome followed with a base knock, which set the table for Jermaine Dye's two-run blast to left center. Chicago's newfound lead was not safe for long, however, as Sox starter Bartolo Colon quickly found himself in a two-out, bases-loaded jam. With Gabe Gross stepping into the batter's box, Ozzie Guillen called on lefty reliever Matt Thorton. Rays manager Joe Maddon countered with the right-handed hitting Ben Zobrist, and Maddon's move paid off. The 1-1 fastball from Thorton landed deep in the left field bleachers, giving Zobrist a grand slam and the Rays a 6-5 lead. Chicago had a chance to tie in the ninth as pinch-runner Brent Lillibridge stole his way from first to third, but the Sox couldn't bring him home. Chicago will try to ensure at least a series split when they take the field tonight in Tampa.