Recent struggles have Robertson fuming

CHICAGO -- The following words came from White Sox closer David Robertson after he allowed Billy Butler's three-run, ninth-inning homer in Chicago's 4-2 loss Thursday afternoon at U.S. Cellular Field.

"I've got to be better," said Robertson, who was touched up for five hits and five earned runs over the two innings he worked during this four-game series, which the White Sox split.

Robertson's personal assessment also sums up the White Sox season and should be their mantra moving into 2016.

Thursday's contest shaped up as a special one for Jose Quintana. He allowed just one run on four hits over seven innings, striking out six, and was in line for a career-high 10th win and fourth straight winning decision.

But Robertson allowed Brett Lawrie's one-out double, followed by Danny Valencia's single to left, setting the stage for Butler. The Oakland designated hitter connected on a 0-1 cutter and drove the ball the opposite way for what was going to be a game-tying sacrifice fly or hit.

Right fielder Avisail Garcia, who already has taken away three homers this season with spectacular catches, leaped at the fence and briefly secured the ball in his glove. When Garcia came down, his glove hit the wall and the ball bounced into the bullpen.

More frustration for the White Sox, and no-decision No. 50 since 2012 for Quintana.

"I had it. When I fell into the fence, the ball came out of my glove," Garcia said. "There's nothing good for me this series. I've just got to keep working. Nothing we can do.

"When nothing is coming your way, anything can happen. You can't do anything about it. Just keep working and stay positive."

Quintana lives by those exact words. He picked up his 23rd quality start and has allowed one run or fewer in nine starts. That career-high victory, though, was denied by Robertson's seventh blown save, leaving a raw and honest closer beyond angry when talking about his day's work.

So angry that Robertson accidentally used a profanity in describing his recent struggles following up a stretch where he retired 26 straight batters, only to take a step back and quickly apologize.

"I'm sorry, guys. I'm just really flustered right now," Robertson said. "I'm really mad that I blew that game. Q pitched phenomenal. I have to be there to get his back.

"I just screwed up another win for one of our starters who pitched his [butt] off. I'm just furious with myself. The last two outings have been terrible. I haven't gotten the job done. I stunk it up out there today.

"Nobody feels worse than me right now," Robertson said. "Q deserved that one, this team deserved this one. I did a terrible job."