CHICAGO — Puerto Rican Martín Maldonado hit a three-run home run, Dominican Eloy Jiménez added a two-run shot and the White Sox, who still have the worst record in MLB, ended their seven-game losing streak with their fourth victory of the season by beating the Tampa Bay Rays 9-4 on Friday.
Chicago had a season-high nine runs, but at 4-22 is off to the worst start in franchise history after 26 games. Baltimore started 2-24 in 1988.
Chris Flexen (1-3) worked five scoreless innings, but did allow two hits and walked three. The right-hander, who arrived with a 6.41 ERA, was followed by five relievers.
Tommy Pham started in center field and had two singles in his White Sox debut after being recalled from Triple-A Charlotte. The 36-year-old signed a minor league contract on April 16 and was sent to the minors to play four preparation games.
Paul DeJong had two hits and an RBI. Danny Mendick and Nicky Lopez each had doubles, with two hits.
For the Rays, the Cubans Yandy Díaz 2-1, Randy Arozarena 3-0. Mexican Isaac Paredes 5-1. The Dominicans Amed Rosario 1 for 4 with one run scored and an RBI, José Siri 1 for 4 with an RBI. Colombian Harold Ramírez 1-for-4 with one scored. Panamanian José Caballero 5-1 with one scored. Venezuelan René Pinto was 2-1 with one run scored and one RBI.
For the White Sox, Dominican Jiménez was 1 for 4 with one run scored and two RBIs. Puerto Rican Maldonado was 2-for-4 with two runs scored and three RBIs.
