MLB: Chi. White Sox 9, LA Angels 7

CHICAGO, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Jim Thome's two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth, his 500th MLB homer, lifted the Chicago White Sox Sunday to a dramatic 9-7 win over the LA Angels.

Thome, a native of Peoria, Ill., became the 23rd player in major-league history to hit 500 home runs -- and the third this season to reach the milestone, after Toronto's Frank Thomas and Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees.

Thome's homer to center field on a 3-2 pitch by Angels reliever Dustin Moseley (4-3) ended a contest which saw Chicago rally from a 7-1 deficit.

Pinch-hitter Darin Erstad began the inning with a line single, setting the stage for Thome, who unleashed a typical blast which landed deep into the seats in center. His teammates mobbed him at home and then hoisted the burly Thome onto their shoulders.

Thome ended an 0-for-11 slump.

Mike MacDougal (2-5) hurled two innings of scoreless relief to earn the win for Chicago. Starter Mark Buehrle allowed 11 hits and seven runs -- six earned -- over 6 1/3 frames.

The Angels' Joe Saunders yielded just two hits and one run over six innings.