Levine: White Sox Keep Up Quality Play, Win 5th Straight Series

By Bruce Levine--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The surging Chicago White Sox are continuing their climb back from a standings free fall that befell them from early May and into June, posting their fifth straight series victory with a 5-0 win against the Yankees at U.S. Cellular Field on Wednesday night.

Right-hander Miguel Gonzalez pitched seven shutout innings, gaining his second win of the season. Behind this recent good play for Chicago has been better starting pitching and solid defense. This was reflected when White Sox right fielder Adam Eaton threw out another runner trying to advance on a base hit, snuffing out a would-be New York uprising in the third inning by nailing Jacoby Ellsbury at second base on a one-hop throw.

"People are going to do what they do, "White Sox catcher Dioner Navarro said of the play.

"Ninety percent of the time, Ellsbury is safe on that hit. Eaton just did a great job on that. He is doing a great job in the outfield all year."

Eaton's 1.6 defensive WAR is the highest among outfielders and third-best mark for any position this season. He also leads the majors with 13 outfield assists.

"His range and his arm has been a big factor defensively," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "Guys are testing him, and they don't quite realize how strong his arm is."

The White Sox (44-41) have thrust themselves back into the wild-card battle, sitting 2.5 games out of the second spot after winning 11 of their past 16.

"We are seeing guys grind through these things," Ventura said. "Our pitching has been great. Offensively, the bottom of the order has really been coming through for us. Everybody seems to be contributing in one way or another."

On Wednesday, Gonzalez had great command of his fastball. He allowed just five hits and one walk while striking out three.

"The guys came out and played some real good defense," Gonzalez said. "Our offense was there. I was able to keep them in the ballgame. I was able to do a good job of changing speeds."

The veteran Gonzalez has good at times and erratic at times. The key is simple.

"Fastball command," Navarro said about the difference in Gonzalez on Wednesday. "That is the game, not only for him but every good pitcher. When you pitch ahead, you are always going to be in good shape. Miguel did a great job."

The White Sox have won five straight series for the first time since September 2013.

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