Indians Held to No Gain

The Chicago White Sox can’t be accused of coasting or compromising baseball’s integrity.

Resting many of their starters to prepare for the playoffs, the White Sox damaged Cleveland’s postseason chances with a 3-2, 13-inning victory Friday night at Cleveland.

Ross Gload hit a two-run double in the 13th off rookie Fernando Cabrera (2-1) and the newly crowned Central Division champions secured home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Indians (93-67), who rallied in the ninth to force extra innings, dropped one game behind East Division co-leaders Boston and New York (94-66) with two games remaining.

Cleveland closed to 3-2 on Ronnie Belliard’s two-out homer, his 17th, on a 1-2 pitch from Bobby Jenks. But the former Angel, Chicago’s eighth pitcher of the game, got Ben Broussard to pop to short for his fifth save.

With one out in the top of the 13th, Willie Harris tripled off the right-field wall. Scott Podsednik bunted toward first, and Harris broke late for home plate. Broussard threw to catcher Victor Martinez, who chased Harris back toward the bag and tagged him for the second out.

Pinch-hitter Paul Konerko, one of many Chicago regulars rested by Manager Ozzie Guillen, was walked intentionally and lifted for pinch-runner Pablo Ozuna. Gload then lined a two-run double to center that gave the White Sox a 3-1 lead.

Toronto 10, Kansas City 1 -- The Royals set a club record with their 105th loss and Josh Towers (13-12) scattered nine hits, struck out six and walked none at Toronto. The Royals are a major league-worst 55-105. They were 58-104 last season.

Baltimore 7, Tampa Bay 6 -- Melvin Mora, who has homered in five of his last nine games, hit a two-run shot to help the Orioles win at St. Petersburg, Fla. Eric Dubose (2-3) yielded one hit in 3 1/3 scoreless innings for his first win since Aug. 17.

Minnesota 7, Detroit 3 -- Francisco Liriano gave up five hits in seven innings for his first major league win, and Justin Morneau hit a grand slam to lead the Twins at Minneapolis.

Seattle 4, Oakland 1 -- Ichiro Suzuki became the sixth major leaguer with 200 hits in his first five seasons, helping the Mariners win at Seattle. Jamie Moyer (13-7) improved to 10-0 with a 2.95 earned-run average in 17 starts at home this season.

*

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

Fast pace

Chone Figgins of the Angels and Scott Podsednik of the Chicago White Sox each stole a base Friday to remain tied for the American League stolen base lead.

*--* PLAYER, TEAM SB Chone Figgins, ANGELS 59 Scott Podsednik, Chicago 59 Carl Crawford, Tampa Bay 46 Julio Lugo, Tampa Bay 38 Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle 33

*--*