Once Again, Colon Completes His Job

Bartolo Colon pitched another complete game against the Boston Red Sox. And this time, he won.

Colon went the distance for the third consecutive game and the eighth time this season as the Chicago White Sox beat the Red Sox, 3-1, Saturday night to retain a share of first place in the American League Central.

“He’s the guy right now. He’s the guy we need to take us on down the stretch,” White Sox Manager Jerry Manuel said. “He’s the guy that, when we’re struggling a little bit, his turn comes around and we feel good that we’ve got a chance. And that’s a good feeling.”

Carlos Lee had three hits, including a homer, as Chicago gave Colon (14-12) the support he didn’t get on Sept. 2, when he two-hit the Red Sox but lost, 2-1. He followed that up with a complete-game victory over Minnesota, which remained tied with the White Sox after beating Cleveland.

“He knows he had tough luck at home last time,” said White Sox coach Rafael Santana, who translated for Colon. “After the sixth inning, his pitch count was low, it came to him that he can go all the way.”

Colon gave up an unearned run and five hits to end Chicago’s three-game losing streak. With the White Sox bullpen missing closer Tom Gordon, who went home for his uncle’s funeral, and tired from seven innings of work the night before, Colon’s effort came at a good time.

“Every win for us right now is huge,” Lee said. “If we win, they have to worry about us.”

Tim Wakefield (10-7) gave up three runs and six hits in seven innings. He also struck out eight, getting Frank Thomas and Miguel Olivo three times apiece.

The Red Sox lead the wild-card race by half a game over Seattle. Boston trails New York by 5 1/2 games in the AL East.

Lee homered leading off the fourth inning to break a scoreless tie. Two outs later, Carl Everett singled, Paul Konerko walked and Jose Valentin singled to make it 2-0.