White Sox 1, Orioles 0
CHICAGO -- John Danks did not allow a run while leading the Chicago White Sox to a 1-0 victory against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday at U.S. Cellular Field.
Danks and Orioles starter Ubaldo Jimenez each went seven innings and only allowed one run between them. The lone run came on a homer by White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu leading off the third inning.
Right-handed closer Nate Robertson retired the Orioles in order in the ninth for his 17th save and put an end to Danks' four-start losing streak.
Danks (4-8) didn't allow a run in seven innings, struck out five, walked two and scattered five hits. Jimenez, who had a string of four straight wins snapped, gave up the one run, struck out four, walked two and allowed six hits.
Chicago (35-42) extended its winning streak to three straight games, while Baltimore (42-38) lost its second game in a row. It was the Orioles' fourth loss in their past five games.
Danks' night was impressive considering what he'd done the prior month. He hadn't pitched since June 22 against the Minnesota Twins, when he allowed nine runs (five earned) on nine hits and allowed three home runs. Danks had just one win in his previous seven outings.
You could not tell he had been struggling on Friday. Despite allowing runners to reach base in five innings, he worked out of some tight spots. Danks induced double-play grounders in the first and third innings to kill potential rallies and also worked out of jams in the fifth and seventh, each time allowing two runners to reach base before closing the door.
Jimenez (7-4) was nearly as good for the Orioles.
He worked out of jams in the first two innings before giving up the opposite-field homer to Abreu to start the third. After that, Jimenez settled into a good rhythm to hold the White Sox scoreless in the next four innings.
Jimenez had not lost to the White Sox since June 29, 2013, which was a string of five straight outings.
NOTES: White Sox ace LHP Chris Sale will start Monday in the series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays, facing former White Sox ace LHP Mark Buehrle. Sale is being pushed back a day, but manager Robin Ventura said there is no health concern. ... Orioles manager Buck Showalter did not have an update from general manager Dan Duquette about trade talks involving veteran OF Delmon Young, who was designated for assignment Wednesday. ... Showalter said injured RHP Jason Garcia (right shoulder tendinitis) will make a rehab start July 6, but didn't know for which of the Orioles' minor league affiliates. ... Baltimore 2B Jonathan Schoop (right knee sprain) is nearing a return from the 60-day disabled list. He will likely return when OF Nolan Reimold goes on paternity leave, which could happen any day. ... RHP Kevin Gausman made the trip to Chicago after a strong fill-in start Thursday, but could be sent back to Triple-A Norfolk soon. The Orioles currently have six starters on the roster, including RHP Bud Norris, who was available out of the bullpen Friday.