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Inconsistent Jones falling behind in the count

CHICAGO -- Through 22 innings during the 2013 season, hard-throwing reliever Nate Jones has issued 12 walks. But Jones believes control isn't the problem as much as control early in the count.

"I get in trouble a little bit by falling behind and I need to go out there and attack right away and get that strike one," Jones said. "I mean it really helps out. You can tell the difference this year for that for sure. That's the biggest difference."

Jones admitted to having problems with his slider early in the season, but he believes that issue has been rectified. It's more a focus on being consistent with everything he throws.

"Right now, I feel like I can still get guys out," Jones said.

"He's having a little command issues here and there, but it's not totally atypical from some stuff we've seen from him, albeit not in Chicago, but in the Minors previously," said White Sox general manager Rick Hahn. "It's a little bit different for someone to work through at the big league level, but we've seen Nate come back from this before in the Minors and we're confident he'll do it here."

Jones retired both hitters he faced, one via a strikeout, in the 11th inning Friday to earn the win.

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Merk's Works, and follow him on Twitter @scottmerkin.
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