The 17 hits were the most allowed this season by the White Sox, who lost their second straight on the heels of a seven-game winning streak.

Cust broke up a scoreless tie in the fourth. Donnie Murphy also drove in two runs and Emil Brown and Wes Bankston had three hits each.

The offensive surge made things easy for Joe Blanton (5-11), who gave up a run on six hits over seven innings.

Mark Buehrle (6-7) had a personal four-decision winning streak halted. He gave up four runs on 10 hits with three walks in 5 2/3.

Oakland missed numerous chances to add to its lead, leaving 13 men on base.