MLB: New York Yankees 12, Chi. White Sox 9

CHICAGO, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Marcus Thames hit two of New York's four home runs Saturday and the Yankees out-slugged the Chicago White Sox 12-9.

Thames's first blast, a two-run shot in the third inning, gave the Yankees a 6-3 lead, and his second homer -- a solo shot in the ninth -- capped New York's scoring.

Eduardo Nunez went 3-for-4 and socked his first major league round-tripper. Nick Swisher also went deep and drove in three runs for the Yankees, who with the win remained tied with Tampa Bay atop the American League East standings.

CC Sabathia (18-5) collected his major league-leading 18th victory despite yielding five runs on nine hits over seven innings, walking one and striking out nine.

Chisox starter John Danks (12-9) was pounded for eight runs on six hits in a 4 1/3-inning start.

Paul Konerko homered and drove in four runs while Alexi Ramirez and Andruw Jones also went deep for Chicago.

The second-place White Sox fell 4 1/2 games off Minnesota's pace in the American League Central.