Recap: Boston vs. Chicago WSox

By Sports Network

Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Jim Thome hit a two-run homer and Joe Crede added a run batted in as Chicago shut down Boston, 4-2, in the finale of a three-game set from Fenway Park.

Paul Konerko also drove in a run for the White Sox, who salvaged a game in the series and halted a three-game losing streak. With the win, Chicago moved a game ahead of Minnesota into first place in the AL Central. The Twins and Athletics play later Sunday.

Gavin Floyd (15-6) went 6 2/3 innings for the win, scattering seven hits and one run with five strikeouts and two walks. Bobby Jenks allowed a run in the ninth but notched his 27th save.

Jacoby Ellsbury and Jed Lowrie knocked in a run each for the Red Sox, who dropped their second game in the last six. Coupled with Tampa Bay's win over Baltimore, Boston dropped to 5 1/2 games behind the first-place Rays in the AL East.

Tim Wakefield (8-9) was charged with six hits and three runs over six innings, losing for the first time in four starts.

With a two-run lead late, the White Sox added insurance in the ninth inning off Justin Masterson.

After Ken Griffey Jr. grounded into a double play, Alexei Ramirez bunted for a base hit. He scored just ahead of a relay throw when Crede laced a double down the left-field line for a 4-1 lead.

Jenks walked Alex Cora to start the home ninth and allowed a one-out single to Ellsbury. Both runners moved up on defensive indifference, and Lowrie's groundout plated Cora. David Ortiz drew a walk and Coco Crisp was inserted as a pinch-runner to put runners at first and third. Crisp stole second with Dustin Pedroia up but the diminutive second baseman lifted a lazy fly to left for the final out.

Chicago got on the board in the first on Thome's two-run line-drive homer just inside the foul pole in right. The blast was his 536th career home run, moving him into a tie with Mickey Mantle for 14th on the all-time list.

Boston had the bases loaded in the bottom half but were unable to score when Jason Bay lined out to third. The Red Sox did finally counter in the fourth on an RBI single from Ellsbury.

The White Sox moved ahead 3-1 in the sixth as Thome smacked a two-out ground- rule double and scored when Konerko followed with a two-bagger.