CLEVELAND, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- A.J. Pierzynski bashed a three-run homer in the ninth inning Tuesday and the Chicago White Sox hung on to defeat Cleveland 4-3.
With the score tied 1-1 in the ninth, Joe Smith (1-2) walked Alex Rios and Carlos Quentin. Frank Herrmann relieved and Pierzynski greeted him a with line shot that cleared the right field fence to hand the White Sox a 4-1 advantage.
The Indians clawed back in the bottom of the frame off Sox starter Edwin Jackson (3-0) when Jason Donald delivered a two-run single. But Bobby Jenks collected his 25th save by getting the final out and Chicago secured a crucial victory.
The White Sox, who entered the game in second place four games behind Minnesota in the American League Central, clinched their three-game series with the Indians.
Jackson allowed three runs on seven hits in 8 2/3 innings.
Indians starter Justin Masterson limited Chicago to one run on four hits through 7 2/3 innings.
