CHICAGO – Freddy Garcia wants one last start like this one to take a strong 2010 finish into the offseason.

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

Additional Photos

Josh Beckett of the Boston Red Sox hands the ball to Manager Terry Francona while being taken out in the seventh inning Wednesday night in a 5-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox. The Associated Press

After missing nearly three weeks with a sore back before returning Sept. 24, Garcia made his second straight quality start, pitching into the eighth inning, giving 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 Tuesday night. 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 two earned runs on four hits. Garcia threw to two batters in the eighth. He gave up four hits, walked none and struck out one.

Garcia was making his 28th start of the season and second since being sidelined with lower back stiffness 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 RBI.

In the bottom of the fourth, A.J. Pierzynski made it 1-1 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.

Mike Lowell of Boston 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.”

NOTES: Chicago added a run on Juan Pierre’s double-play grounder in the eighth. White Sox right fielder Carlos Quentin left after four innings with a sore left ankle. Center fielder De Aza moved to right in his place and shortstop Brent Lillibridge came in to play center. Beckett had won two of his last three starts entering Wednesday. Before he left, Quentin robbed leadoff batter Marco Scutaro of an extra-base hit to open the game. Scutaro lined Garcia’s fourth pitch into right-center, but Quentin timed a perfect dive to make the catch.

Related Stories