WHITE SOX 4, MARINERS 2

New White Sox lineup beats Mariners

By Mark Gonzales | Tribune reporter

12:21 AM CDT, May 10, 2008

SEATTLE - After manager Ozzie Guillen hinted of more lineup changes, Paul Konerko and Jim Thome each made cases Friday night to stay in their respective spots in the White Sox's lineup.

Konerko hit a two-run double to highlight a three-run third-inning rally, and Thome launched a home run as the Sox beat Seattle 4-2.

Those contributions were part of a resourceful effort as the Sox started a 10-game, three-city trip with Nick Swisher on the bench.

"We got one big inning, and the homer by Thome was a good note," Guillen said.

Swisher was given the night off after going 10-for-70 in his previous 18 games, and either he or Thome may sit Saturday night against left-hander Jarrod Washburn.

Brian Anderson, Swisher's replacement in center field, leaped near the top of the fence to rob Richie Sexson of an extra-base hit with Jose Vidro at first in the fourth, preserving the Sox's two-run lead.

"Sexson's got so much juice and the ball was carrying so well that I just put my head down and ran," Anderson said.

That was the big break starting pitcher Jose Contreras needed as he retired the final eight batters he faced to win for the third time in his last five starts.

"I feel like I got my rhythm back," Contreras said.

Contreras has allowed a total of three runs in those victories. Contreras threw a complete game at Toronto but lost in his previous start.

"I said in spring training we're going to be how Jose is going to be," Guillen said.

But the offense gave him some early support.

Juan Uribe started the three-run third with a single and moved up on Carlos Quentin's one-out hit.

Thome worked Carlos Silva for a walk to set up Konerko's double.

Konerko was 1-for-14 before his hit.

Jermaine Dye, whom Guillen is considering moving up in the batting order, hit a sacrifice fly.

Thome, who was 2-for-10 and batting only one point higher (.216) than Konerko, ripped a solo home run deep into the right-field seats in the seventh off Silva.

The Sox were hitting only .151 with runners in scoring position in their previous 12 games.

It marked the first time since April 26-27 they won consecutive games, and they have won three of four since losing six straight games.

mgonzales@tribune.com

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