Ramirez helps White Sox pound Mariners 11-0

[July 28, 2010]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Alexei Ramirez, Andruw Jones and Paul Konerko homered, powering Gavin Floyd and the Chicago White Sox to an 11-0 victory over the woeful Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.

Ramirez finished with three hits and three RBIs and Jones also drove in three for the White Sox, who led 8-0 after three innings. A.J. Pierzynski hit a two-out, two-run single in Chicago's four-run first against Ryan Rowland-Smith.

Ramirez, who also singled in a run in the first, is 8 for 12 with five RBIs in his last three games, including six hits in consecutive games against Seattle.

The Mariners have lost 18 of their last 24 games and are 6-18 in July. They were shut out for the seventh time and are last in the majors in several offensive categories.

Floyd (6-8) allowed four hits in seven innings, improving to 4-2 with a sparkling 1.04 ERA in his last 10 starts. The 6-foot-6 right-hander hasn't surrendered more than two earned runs in a game since he lasted just 2 2-3 innings in a 9-5 loss to Texas on June 2.

With the trade deadline coming up Saturday, the AL Central-leading White Sox made another strong argument to stay the course. They have won nine straight home games, their longest such streak since 2008, and 16 of 17 overall at U.S. Cellular Field.

Rowland-Smith (1-10) allowed all 11 runs and 11 hits in five innings, putting his rotation spot in jeopardy with another lackluster outing.

Ramirez hit a two-run drive and Konerko connected for his second in two games in Chicago's three-run second. Jones hit a three-run shot in the fifth for his 14th homer and career No. 402.

Gordon Beckham and Dayan Viciedo had two doubles apiece for the White Sox, who finished with 12 hits.

The Mariners welcomed back designated hitter Russell Branyan, who was sidelined with back spasms, but played without center fielder Franklin Gutierrez and lost third baseman Jose Lopez to a tight left hamstring in the second inning.

Manager Don Wakamatsu said Gutierrez was away from the ballpark to deal with a family issue and should be able to rejoin the team on Wednesday. Lopez is day to day.

Michael Saunders, who normally plays left field, moved over to center and misplayed Viciedo's RBI double in the first, capping Chicago's fast start.

NOTES: Mariners DH Mike Sweeney (lower back) took himself out of a Triple-A rehab game Monday but was feeling better Tuesday, according to Wakamatsu. ... The White Sox announced that former slugger Frank Thomas has agreed to become a team ambassador. The Big Hurt will make appearances for the organization and join its speakers bureau, which includes Carlton Fisk, Minnie Minoso, Ron Kittle, Bill Melton and Bill Skowron. ... Mariners RHP Shawn Kelley (elbow inflammation) tossed 46 pitches during a bullpen session and could throw a simulated game on Friday.

[Associated Press; By JAY COHEN]

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