The fifth inning made all the difference for the Chicago White Sox and Toronto Blue Jays.
Chicago made the plays and scored three runs, while Toronto's offence and defence both stalled as the White Sox eked out a 3-2 victory on Tuesday.
After Chicago took a 3-2 lead, the Blue Jays' Edwin Encarnacion hit a sharp ball toward third base. What looked like a line drive that would break open the game for Toronto instead landed in the glove of White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis who started a rally-killing double play.
"As it turns out, both sides of the fifth inning were the difference tonight," said Toronto manager John Farrell. "Edwin has been taking good swings and unfortunately he hit that ball and it's a line drive out."
What turned out to be the winning run in the fifth inning came home from third after Jays starter Henderson Alvarez threw the ball wildly to first on a pickoff attempt for his second error of the game.
"That's just one of those that's a gift," said White Sox manager Robin Ventura.
"We'll take it."
It spoiled a good outing by Alvarez (7-10) who made some adjustments between starts and held the White Sox to three runs (two earned) and seven hits.
"He did not help his cause with that pickoff attempt but he threw the ball well," Farrell said.
Left-hander Jose Quintana (5-2) held the Blue Jays to two runs on eight hits and two walks over 6 2 /3 innings.
