Rios' homer streak ends, hit streak continues

WASHINGTON -- Alex Rios went homerless in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Nationals, meaning the right fielder's streak of consecutive games clearing the fences ended at four. One more game with a long ball would have tied the franchise record, held by six other players and accomplished seven previous times.

The record holders at five straight games are Frank Thomas, twice (April 14-19 and May 24-29, 1994), A.J. Pierzynski (July 30-Aug. 5, 2012), Paul Konerko (June 17-21, 2011), Carlos Lee (April 17-21, 2003), Ron Kittle (Sept. 2-6, 1983) and Greg Luzinski (May 20-24, 1983).

Rios had a double and a single in the loss, raising his average to .419 and his hitting streak to 14 consecutive games dating back to Sept. 26, 2012, with hits in all eight games this season. He also drove in a run with a groundout in the sixth inning. Lee holds the franchise record with a 28-game hitting streak.

"He's in a position now where he can sustain himself," said White Sox hitting coach Jeff Manto. "He's truly ready to get and stay at the plateau he was at last year."

"Where he's at right now with his swing and everything, if he swings at strikes and good pitches to hit, it's almost impossible for him not to do damage," White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko said. "He's just that good right now."