CHICAGO _ A pair of pillars for the Orioles' success this season _ their bullpen and their defense _ conspired to make a comfortable game close again Friday at U.S. Cellular Field.
It still wasn't enough to stop them from sealing a 7-5 win over the Chicago White Sox, thanks to a pair of home runs by streaking designated hitter Pedro Alvarez and a 16-hit barrage before an announced crowd of 26,553.
Alvarez's second home run kicked off a three-run eighth inning that extended their lead to 7-2, but a pair of walks and two base hits led to the rare mid-inning removal of reliever Darren O'Day, who was charged with three runs before the White Sox (52-57) ran themselves out of the inning.
White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton grounded out to first base with men on second and third and one out in the home half of the eighth inning, but catcher Dioner Navarro was caught off third base and doubled up to end the inning.
Closer Zach Britton recorded his 34th save in 34 tries to seal the game for the Orioles (62-46), with starter Yovani Gallardo earning his fourth win of the season by allowing two runs in six innings of work.
