Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.

First Posted: 7/9/2013

(AP) Matt Garza pitched seven strong innings, Alfonso Soriano homered and scored four runs, and the Chicago Cubs pulled away late to beat the White Sox 8-2 on Monday night.


Dave Sappelt had a career-high four hits, while Soriano had three. Luis Valbuena drove in three runs, hitting the tiebreaking two-run double and scoring during a five-run eighth.


Garza (5-1), meanwhile, came through with another terrific outing. He’s 4-0 in his last five starts after allowing two runs one earned and five hits, striking out six without a walk. He’s lowered his ERA from 4.98 to 3.22 during this stretch.


Valbuena broke a 2-2 tie with a two-run double off reliever Matt Thornton (0-3) and came around on a single by Sappelt off Nate Jones. Ransom capped the rally with a two-run, bases-loaded single, and the Cubs completed the four-game season sweep against their crosstown rivals.


Associated Press