David Robertson took his seventh blown save and fourth loss of his first season as the White Sox closer harder than any of them Thursday.
Protecting a 2-1 lead in the ninth inning for tough-luck lefty Jose Quintana, who was looking to top nine wins for the first time despite four years of quality starting, Robertson gave up a three-run homer to Billy Butler in the ninth inning of a 4-2 White Sox loss.
“I’m just furious with myself,’’ Robertson said as the Sox packed for an 11-game road trip. “I just screwed up another win for one our starters who pitched his butt off. And I keep f-ing doing it.’’
The salty language was out of character for Robertson, who apologized.
“I’m sorry guys. I’m just really flustered right now,’’ he said. “I’m really mad that I blew that game. Q pitched phenomenal. I have to be there to get his back.’’
Robertson gave up four tying runs to the A’s in the ninth inning Monday (he had a streak of 26 straight batters retired in that one). He has 29 saves and a 3.14 ERA.
The A’s won for the first time when trailing after eight innings (1-74).
“I stunk it up out there today,’’ Robertson said. “I did a terrible job.
Thompson out again
Trayce Thompson missed his third straight game with a hyperextended left elbow. “Every time he starts doing something he’ll feel a little something,” manager Robin Ventura said. “I don’t really want him in there if it’s going to change anything about his swing and how he plays. Hopefully on the road.”
Thompson was used as a pinch runner in the ninth inning.
Center fielder J.B. Shuck left Thursday with a sore left hamstring. He is day to day.
In brief
Jose Abreu and Adam Eaton were rested in the afternoon game following a night game.
*The Sox were 4-6 on the homestand.
*Matt Albers made his career high 16th consecutive scoreless relief appearance, retiring the A’s in order in the eighth.
*Jose Quintana has 23 quality starts this season, tied for second in the American League with David Price behind Dallas Keuchel (24).
*Tyler Flowers is hitting .375 over his last 10 games. Alexei Ramirez is hitting .369 over his last 16.
