Vizquel Single Lifts Garcia, White Sox Over Boston

Omar Vizquel hit a go-ahead single in Chicago's three-run seventh inning and the White Sox backed Garcia in a 5-2 win over the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night.

After missing nearly three weeks with a sore back before returning Sept. 24, Garcia made his second quality start in a row, pitching into the eighth inning and gave up two runs on four hits.

"I'm really happy with tonight (and) we got second place at least" Garcia said. "My back pushed me back, but I'm back and I'll always be that way. I try to do my job and today that was my intention."

After Vizquel's hit, the White Sox made it 4-1 on a throwing error by catcher Victor Martinez and a single by Alexei Ramirez off Josh Beckett.

Beckett (6-6) went six innings for the Red Sox, who were eliminated from postseason contention on Tuesday. He gave up four runs on 11 hits, struck out five and walked four.

"He goes through six innings and gives up a solo home run," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "Then he gets into the seventh and gives up a bunt that we throw away, we had to walk some people because of the situation in the game, a ground ball moves through ... and we didn't have much offense."

Garcia (12-6) lasted into the eighth and gave up 2 earned runs on four hits. Garcia threw to two batters in the eight. He gave up four hits, walked none and struck out one.

The right-hander was making his 28th start of the season and first since being sidelined with lower back stiffness on Sept. 7.

Matt Thornton got the last four outs for his eighth save in 10 chances.

David Ortiz looped an RBI single to left against a shift in the fourth inning to make it 1-0 and tie Adrian Beltre for the team lead with 102 RBIs.

In the bottom of the fourth, A.J. Pierzynski tied it at 1 with a solo homer.

J.D. Drew's bid for a go-ahead homer in the sixth was caught at the right-field wall by Alejandro De Aza.

Boston's Mike Lowell got one run back when he led off the eighth with his fourth home run of the year.

"I actually worked out with Freddy Garcia this offseason," Lowell said. "He grinds it out. He's not that 97 mph thrower anymore. He pitched well but I've got bragging rights."