Floyd’s no-hit bid falls short in Chicago’s win

CHICAGO -- Another near miss for Gavin Floyd. Toying with a no-hitter for the second time in a month, the Chicago White Sox’s right-hander watched his latest effort sail away with one out in the ninth inning.

Joe Mauer hit a high drive into the gap in left-center field for a double, ending Floyd’s no-hit bid and his outing Tuesday night. The White Sox won, 7-1.

Mauer’s drive sailed between left fielder Carlos Quentin and center fielder Nick Swisher, who made a diving attempt but didn’t really get close to the ball.

“Not close enough. I didn’t make the catch, but you knew I was going for it,” Swisher said.

Said White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski: “Unfortunately for Gavin, Mauer hit a ball that was just in a perfect spot.”

Floyd (3-1) was taken out to a standing ovation after Mauer’s double, and Bobby Jenks came on to get the last two outs.

“It motivated me to keep making pitches and just attack,” Floyd said of the crowd support. “Hopefully throw a no-hitter. It didn’t happen today, but we got a win.”

Floyd held Detroit hitless for 7 1/3 innings April 12 before Edgar Renteria singled.