Grichuk plays hero in ninth as White Sox increase AL Central lead

ST. LOUIS – Randal Grichuk delivered arguably the biggest hit of the White Sox season Saturday with a two-run home run down the right-field line on a 0-2 pitch from Cardinals closer Riley O’Brien for a 6-5 victory.

The White Sox gained ground almost across the board in the American League playoff race, as Cleveland lost earlier in the day to the Twins. The Guardians are now sitting 1 1/2 games behind the White Sox in the American League Central.

Houston also lost to the Rays, the same Astros crew sitting a half game behind the White Sox for the prospective AL two seed and a Wild Card round bye.

The Cardinals took a 3-0 lead in the second against opener Sean Newcomb, who struck out four, and bulk hurler Luis Castillo, who gave up three runs on four hits in 2 2/3 innings. But the White Sox took advantage of Cooper Hjerpe’s extreme wildness in the fourth and fifth to tie the game, as Hjerpe walked four and hit two in one-plus innings.

Hagen Smith and Grant Taylor were much more effective in relief, combining to strike out five and walk one over three hitless innings, before Leo Bernal homered off Taylor leading off the eighth. Kyle Teel drew a leadoff walk off O’Brien after being down 0-2 to start the ninth, setting the rally in motion.