Pirates 3, White Sox 2
CHICAGO -- Right-hander Gerrit Cole became the first pitcher in the majors to win 11 games this season, and the Pittsburgh Pirates held on for a 3-2 win against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday.
Pittsburgh (39-27) extended its season-high winning streak to eight games while completing their eighth series sweep of the season -- the most in the majors.
The White Sox (28-37) lost their seventh consecutive game and scored just five runs in their past five.
Cole (11-2) silenced Chicago hitters for most of the game. In seven innings, he held the White Sox to two runs on three hits. He walked three and struck out four.
White Sox right-handed Jake Petricka (1-2) drew the loss out of the bullpen.
Pirates closer Mark Melancon pitched a scoreless ninth for his 23rd save.
White Sox right-hander Jeff Samardzija limited the Pirates to two runs in seven innings, but he remained winless since May 22. He scattered 10 hits while walking none and striking out seven.
Pirates right fielder Gregory Polanco drove in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning to make it 3-2. With runners at first and third base and one out, Polanco hit a soft ground ball to the right side of the infield that scored third baseman Jung Ho Kang.
One inning earlier, the White Sox evened the score at 2-2 on a home run by catcher Geovany Soto.
The Pirates grabbed a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning. Kang drove in his 25th run on a sharp ground ball that deflected off Samardzija's glove and rolled free.
The White Sox evened the score at 1 in the bottom of the fourth on a sacrifice fly by left fielder Melky Cabrera that scored first baseman Jose Abreu, who doubled and advanced to third base on a fly ball by designated hitter Adam LaRoche.
Pittsburgh regained a 2-1 edge in the fifth after Samardzija loaded the bases with two singles and a hit batter. Second baseman Josh Harrison put the Pirates on top with a sacrifice fly to center field.
NOTES: White Sox RHP Scott Carroll was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte before Thursday's game. Carroll, 30, went 1-1 with a 3.12 ERA in eight relief appearances with the White Sox in April and May. He will go to the bullpen as a long reliever and possible spot starter, manager Robin Ventura said. ... Pirates 2B Neil Walker did not start because of a stomach ailment. Teammate Josh Harrison took Walker's place at second base. ... The White Sox designated RHP Hector Noesi for assignment. Noesi, 28, is 0-4 with a 6.89 ERA in 10 games, including five starts. ... Pirates LF Starling Marte returned to the lineup after tweaking his left ankle a day earlier. Marte left Wednesday's game in the ninth inning after appearing to injure the ankle while stepping on first base.