It was 1-1 entering the sixth, with the Red Sox in prime position to beat Garland, a night after halting American League All-Star Game starter Mark Buehrle's streak of pitching seven innings or more in 25 straight starts. Wakefield had allowed only a run in his first two trips through the Chicago lineup (a solo homer in the fourth by Aaron Rowand) before the sixth.
Wakefield (8-9, 4.42 ERA) retired leadoff hitter Scott Podsednik on a ground out, allowed a Rowand single, popped up Carl Everett, and was on the precipice of escaping. Paul Konerko then blooped a single to right, giving the White Sox two on with two outs.
Right about that time, this went through Francona's mind; ''We're in a 1-1 game, Wake looks terrific." But A.J. Pierzynski began fouling off pitches, extended the at-bat to a 12th pitch, and got one to his liking.
''Down and in to a lefthander is probably a sweet spot," Wakefield said. ''His timing was there after so many of the same pitch."
Pierzynski's 382-foot homer into the seats in right propelled the White Sox to a 4-1 lead. Crede then singled to left, Timo Perez singled up the middle, and Juan Uribe, with one potent swing, knocked the ball over the wall in left and Wakefield out of the game.
White Sox 7, Red Sox 1.
''Before you know it they've spread it out," Francona said. ''I think they've done that a few times this year. It got away in a hurry."
The Sox mounted little offense until the ninth, when Rule 5 outfielder Adam Stern, who entered for Johnny Damon (rest purposes) in the seventh, homered to right with Tony Graffanino aboard, his first major league home run.
''I almost passed Graff coming around first," Stern said. ''I don't hit too many of them. The adrenaline took over. I was sprinting like it was a double."
Stern's parents attended each game of the last homestand, and saw him collect his first major league hit, against the Yankees. They had planned to come here as well, but the 25-year-old Stern -- sensing the need to revert to his usual routine, sans parents -- gave them permission to head home to London, Ontario.
''Maybe that's what needed to happen," he said, clearly joking.
