Foltynewicz strikes out 10 as Braves blank White Sox
CHICAGO -- Mike Foltynewicz struck out a career-high 10 batters in seven innings as the visiting Atlanta Braves posted a 2-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday afternoon to win their three-game series that concludes the first half of the season.
Foltynewicz (3-3), who is from Sterling in northwestern Illinois, allowed five singles and no walks in his first appearance against the White Sox.
Jeff Francoeur and Jace Peterson homered for the last-place Braves, who won three of four before the All-Star break.
Foltynewicz was 1-3 with a 6.20 ERA in four previous road starts. He struck out the side in the seventh in his third start since coming off the disabled list for elbow discomfort.
Jim Johnson allowed one hit in the ninth inning to secure his second save.
The White Sox (45-43) were trying to win six consecutive series for the first time since 2010. They finished the first half of the season with a winning record for the first time since 2012.
James Shields (4-10) allowed two runs and six hits in 7 2/3 innings for his longest outing since Sept. 5, 2014. Shields has allowed eight runs in his last 25 1/3 innings after he gave up 21 earned runs in his first 8 2/3 frames with the White Sox, who acquired him from the Padres on June 4.
The Braves are 7-12 after a season-high six-game winning streak.
Francoeur homered for the second consecutive game to put the Braves ahead in the second. His fifth homer of the season extended his hitting streak to a season-high seven games.
Peterson added a two-out solo shot - his fourth of the season - in the third. The Braves rank last in the majors in home runs but hit eight in the series against the White Sox.
A.J. Pierzynski became the fourth catcher in major league history to record his 400th double when he doubled in the fifth against his former team. He joins Ivan Rodriguez, Ted Simmons and Carlton Fisk on the list.
The Braves had a couple defensive highlights. Left fielder Chase d'Arnaud reached into the stands to make a catch in the second inning. Right fielder Nick Markakis robbed Avisail Garcia of an extra-base hit with a catch at the wall in the eighth.
NOTES: White Sox LHP Jose Quintana (7-8, 3.21 ERA) is an All-Star for the first time. He was named a replacement for the Indians' Danny Salazar (elbow) on Sunday. The other White Sox All-Star is LHP Chris Sale. 3B Todd Frazier will try to defend his Home Run Derby title. ... White Sox closer David Robertson is unavailable until after the All-Star break due to a strained left leg. Manager Robin Ventura said Robertson was feeling better prior to Sunday's game. ... Braves C Tyler Flowers is expected to be re-evaluated Monday in Atlanta after he exited Saturday's contest due to a strained left hand. Pierzynski started on Sunday. ... White Sox 1B Justin Morneau (elbow surgery) is 2-for-17 with a triple and an RBI in his rehab stint at Triple-A Charlotte. He is expected to play for Double-A Birmingham on Monday while Charlotte is on its All-Star break.