White Sox' Danks envisioned walkoff homer

Jordan Danks’ two-out homer against Oakland reliever Pat Neshek gave the White Sox a 4-3 victory against the A’s at U.S. Cellular Field on Friday night.

A.J. Pierzynski (second inning), Alexei Ramirez (fourth) and Dayan Viciedo (seventh) also hit solo home runs against A’s starter Brandon McCarthy as the Sox snapped a two-game losing streak. The Sox have hit 61 homers in their last 36 games.

The home run was the first of Danks’ career.

“Everyone’s dreaming about that their whole life,” Danks said. “Right before that, I saw myself doing that. I just got all the shaving cream out of my nose [from teammate Alexei Ramirez] and eyes so I can breathe again.”

Brett Myers pitched a scoreless ninth for his first win as a Sox. Leyson Septimo, Jesse Crain and Matt Thornton also contributed to a scoreless effort from the Sox bullpen. Myers has not allowed an earned run in 10 appearances over 8 2/3 innings with the Sox.

Pierzynski’s 22 homers are the most by a Sox catcher since Carlton Fisk hit 23 in 1987.

Sox starter Gavin Floyd improved after giving up a two-run homer to Brandon Moss in the second and escaping a bases-loaded jam in the third, leaving with three runs allowed over six-plus innings.

Before the game, White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko was placed on the seven-day disabled list with a concussion.

“It’s not going to be easy not having [Konerko] in the lineup but this is the best thing for him, to get him back to full strength,” Ventura said. “We have to find a way for guys like Jordan Danks to come through for us.”

“I knew that was going to be my role once I got here,” Danks said. “Someone needed a day, or somebody goes down, fill in and do it to the best of my ability.”

Pierzynski was asked about the Sox carrying on without Konerko.

“I think Gordon might cry,” he joked. “Nobody for him to talk to about his swing constantly. Paul’s a great friend of mine. Been here with him for eight years now. You never want to see anybody get hurt, but especially up in the head with a concussion and that kind of stuff. It’s just usually bad news. Hopefully he gets well soon and hopefully he gets back in a week.”