Chicago's Jim Thome follows the flight of his 511th career home run. Thome and the White Sox defeated Tampa Bay, 9-2, on Friday night in St. Petersburg, Fla.

White Sox 9, Rays 2

St. Petersburg, Fla. – Jim Thome hit his 511th career home run, and Javier Vazquez won his third consecutive start to lead Chicago past Tampa Bay.

Thome connected in the third inning for a three-run shot off rookie Jeff Niemann, who was making his second career start. The next batter, Paul Konerko, homered to make it 4-0.

The White Sox designated hitter tied Hall of Famer Mel Ott for 21st place on the all-time list with his fourth homer of the season, which hit an overhanging catwalk. Thome has reached base safely in all 26 games he has played at Tropicana Field.

Vazquez (3-1) gave up two runs and six hits over 61â3 innings for the White Sox, who have won 10 of their last 14 games.

The White Sox have out-homered their opponents 24-5 this season.

Angels 5, Mariners 4

Anaheim, Calif. – Torii Hunter shrugged off some stiffness in his neck and back from a pregame fender-bender and made a leaping catch above the center-field wall to deny Richie Sexson of two-run homer and preserve Los Angeles’ victory over Seattle.

Red Sox 11, Rangers 3

Boston – Slumping David Ortiz hit a grand slam, and Daisuke Matsuzaka improved to 4-0.

Orioles 8, Yankees 2

Baltimore – Jay Payton and Melvin Mora had two RBIs apiece in a seven-run sixth.

Tigers 8, Blue Jays 4

Toronto – Edgar Renteria hit a two-run home run, and Kenny Rogers won for the first time since July. The Blue Jays have not won at home since April 6.

Indians 4, Twins 0

Minneapolis – Cliff Lee pitched two-hit ball for eight innings, and Casey Blake homered and had three RBIs.