Struggling Tigers lose to White Sox

DETROIT -- The Chicago White Sox have been getting timely hits and strong pitching lately, something the Detroit Tigers can only wish for.

Jim Thome and A.J. Pierzynski each homered Saturday night and the White Sox won their third in a row, a 7-5 victory over the struggling Tigers.

Javier Vazquez (9-6) went seven innings and gave up three runs and six hits with six strikeouts. The win was his third in his last four starts.

“He battled and gave us the innings we needed,” Manager Ozzie Guillen said. “This was a positive sign for him -- when he doesn’t have good stuff, he’s usually bad.”

Bobby Jenks pitched the ninth for his 31st save. Jenks, who ended the game by striking out Brandon Inge, has retired 29 consecutive batters.

Detroit starter Jeremy Bonderman (10-4) lost his third straight start after giving up six runs and 10 hits in seven innings. The Tigers, who had baseball’s best record two weeks ago, have lost four straight and 10 of their last 12.

“I need to pick it up and give this team a chance to win,” said Bonderman, who gave up four runs in the first. “In my last three starts I haven’t been doing it.