Morning Box Score

By Matt Motyka in News on Jul 31, 2009 3:00PM

Sox Fight Off Yanks
The White Sox relied on late-innings heroics Thursday night to defeat the New York Yankees 3-2 and snap a three-game skid. In the top of the ninth, it appeared former Sox player Nick Swisher was going to play the heel, driving a fastball from Matt Thorton into the left field stands to tie the game at two. Thankfully for the Sox, Dewayne Wise had other ideas. With runners on first and second and two away, Wise ripped a comebacker up the middle to score Scott Podsednik and notch a walk-off win for Chicago. The rally salvaged an excellent 7.2 innings by starter Gavin Floyd, who allowed only one run on four hits and a walk while striking out 10. Paul Konerko and Gordon Beckham both finished 2-for-4, with Beckham doubling home the Sox's other earned run in the third. The Sox and Yanks do it again tonight at 7:11.

Cubs Roll Astros
It was another offensive onslaught by the Cubs on Thursday, as they earned a 12-3 victory over the Houston Astros. Only a long ball short of the cycle, Kosuke Fukudome went 3-for-3 with two walks and drove home four of Chicago's runs. Also picking up four RBIs for the Cubbies was Ryan Theriot, making his outs productive as he recorded just one hit in the ballgame. Add to that back-to-back jacks by Jake Fox and Milton Bradley to lead off the third, and the Cubs' cup runneth over. The offensive surplus benefited winning pitcher Kevin Hart, who turned in a quality start in his last appearance as a Chicago Cub. Hart, 3-1 with a 2.60 ERA, was dealt to the Pittsburgh Pirates yesterday, who in return sent over lefties John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny. After taking the four-game series against the Astros, the Cubs arrive in Florida to face the Marlins at 6:10 this evening.