Shields ends August in promising fashion

DETROIT — James Shields entered Monday’s start against the Tigers with an 0-4 record, a 13.95 ERA and a 2.40 WHIP in five August starts. He exited with his first quality start since July 26.

Shields allowed two runs, six hits and three walks over six innings, putting him in line for the win. But the White Sox fell victim to Jarrod Saltalamachhia’s fifth go-ahead home run of the season in the eighth inning of Chicago’s 4-3 loss.

Shields’ best explanation for what changed: Luck.

“I feel like my last three outings I’ve been pounding the strike zone pretty good, especially my last outing, even though I let up four runs,” Shields said. “Sometimes it goes your way, sometimes it doesn’t, so I’m just going to build off this start and finish strong.”

The White Sox squandered an opportunity to gain a game in an American League Wild Card race they still feel they’re in. Chicago sits 7 1/2 games behind Baltimore for the second AL Wild Card spot with 32 games to play. Manager Robin Ventura said it’s tough to lose a game, especially this time of year, the way the Sox did, but he …

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