CHICAGO – Despite another huge game from Kevin Youkilis, the Chicago White Sox failed to pull this one out.
Albert Pujols homered again and Howie Kendrick hit a go-ahead single in the 10th inning Saturday night that sent the Los Angeles Angels over the White Sox 6-5.
Alberto Callaspo doubled with two outs in the 10th off Matt Thornton (4-7) and scored on Kendrick's single. The Angels ended their three-game losing streak.
"Howie's a good hitter," White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski said. "His numbers aren't there this year like they've been in the past, but that was a ball up and in and he fought it to right. That's what he does best, just put it in a perfect spot."
Youkilis homered twice for the White Sox. Pierzynski had a solo shot for the AL Central leaders.
Pujols' 24th home run was his sixth in his last five games. Mike Trout singled twice, scored two runs and scaled the wall in left-center field to rob Gordon Beckham of a home run.
"I told (Trout) in the one at-bat, I'm like 'You're really good, man,' because he does it all," Pierzynski said. "He makes those catches in the outfield look so good. He hits for power, he can run as fast as anyone I've seen in a long time."
"He plays the game right, plays the game hard, has a smile on his face. The Angels are lucky to have him and he's one of the best I've seen in a long time."
Pierzynski wasn't the only one impressed with Trout's showcase through the first two games of the series.
"He has everything," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "He's leading off with power, speed and good in the outfield. I don't know really a weakness of baseball of something you would say he's short in."
Kevin Jepsen (2-1) worked a scoreless ninth. Ernesto Frieri pitched the 10th for his 13th save in 14 chances.
"It's tough when they tie it up late on the road," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "I thought our team showed a lot of character. It was a lot to build off of."
Pujols put the Angels ahead 5-3 with his solo homer in the seventh. Youkilis hit a tying, two-run shot off LaTroy Hawkins in the bottom half.
Youkilis also hit a solo homer in the first. He had his first multihomer game since Sept. 28, 2009, and the 10th of his career.
Pierzynski homered in his fourth straight game, matching a career best. He extended a career high with his 20th home run.
Chicago almost completed the comeback in the ninth when Adam Dunn pulled a towering shot down the right field line, but the ball was caught on the warning track.
Pujols got into it with umpire crew Chief Dana DeMuth in the first after Pierzynski's foul pop down the first base line was knocked away by a fan. DeMuth ruled that the ball was in the stands and the fan was free to go for the ball, prompting a visit from Scioscia.
Pierzynski later popped out to strand runners on first and second.
Scioscia also took issue with the umpires in Friday night's 8-6 loss when the Angels filed a protest after a baserunning call went against them.
Angels starter Ervin Santana allowed three runs in six innings.
Gavin Floyd bounced back from a 41-pitch, three-run first inning to work deep into the game. He was chased by Pujols' seventh-inning homer.
"I found a groove eventually, but obviously it'd be nice to do it from the beginning," Floyd said. "But these are the games you just have to battle, try to keep your team in the game."
Floyd had compiled a 1.62 ERA over his previous six outings.
NOTES: The White Sox bullpen had allowed only three runs in its last 33 innings before Thornton was touched up. ... The start of the game was delayed for 21 minutes because of to rain. ... Angels RHP Jordan Walden (strained right biceps) is scheduled to throw his first bullpen session on Monday. ... Angels LHP Scott Downs (left shoulder strain) will begin a throwing program on Monday. ... Francisco Liriano (3-10, 5.18 ERA) makes his home debut for the White Sox in the series finale on Sunday against Dan Haren (8-8, 4.59).
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