Levine: Rodon Gets First Win In 5 Weeks

By Bruce Levine--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- It took more than a month for White Sox left-hander Carlos Rodon to get his second win of the 2016 season.

The 23-year-old Rodon had gone six starts without a victory before a strong outing Sunday in which he went 6 2/3 innings, allowing two run on six hits for the win in his team's 3-2 victory against the Royals. Prior to that, Rodon's last win was April 13 against the Twins.

"Pitching-wise he did a great job today," manager Robin Ventura said. "If you get them some runs, it helps. He battled today. Even with guys getting on base, he was able to worm out of it early. His confidence grows each time out, with who he is becoming and where he belongs."

Rodon become the first White Sox starter other than Chris Sale to get a victory since May 8, and his performance helped the White Sox avoid a sweep. Chicago hasn't been swept in any of its 14 series this season.

"This one was big time for us," Rodon said after moving his season record to 2-4. "We just wanted to make sure not to get swept in this series. Pacing was a big thing for me. If I get into a nice pace like that, everything flows."

Getting Rodon back into a good routine and consistent flow will be crucial for the White Sox in order to stay afloat in their division race. He snapped a personal-worst three-game losing streak.

David Robertson converted his first save opportunity since May 8. He garnered his 11th save with an easy eight-pitch ninth inning.

"I stay ready and focused for my outing whenever it comes," Robertson said. "This will still be a learning curve for (Rodon). He has electric stuff. There is no doubt about that. He has pitched really well recently, so I am excited to see what he can do in the future."

The White Sox are now 8-3 in against divisional foes this season and reclaimed a 2.5-game lead in the AL Central over the second-place Indians, who are coming to town to play four games in three days, including Monday's doubleheader.

On Sunday, White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier got the team even at 1-1 in the fourth inning with his 13th home run.

He said he feels good defense is the key to supporting the pitchers and winning ball games. Frazier and Adam Eaton made web gems to contribute to the team's success.

"The pitchers have been doing there jobs," Frazier said. "I keep telling these guys let us work. They came back had a couple of good hits, it was our turn to make a play. All year we have been doing that. Theme is get the guy out, it stops the burn and we just keep going."

Melky Cabrera's two-out, two-run single in the fifth inning proved to be the game-winner. Cabrera has been the team's hottest hitter in May, with a .338 average and 10 RBIs.

"He does a lot of things for our team," Ventura said. "Melky seems to always be in the middle of everything. He is a very important piece. He is a leader and is very professional about how he goes about things."

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.