A.J. Pierzynski helps White Sox get off to fast start in 9-4 win over New York Yankees

White Sox batter Burnett, beat Yankees 9-4

CHICAGO — A.J. Pierzynski hit a two-run double in Chicago’s four-run first, Freddy Garcia threw seven solid innings and the White Sox roughed up A.J. Burnett and the New York Yankees 9-4 on Friday night.

Omar Vizquel had two hits and two RBIs for Chicago, which has won three of four after returning home following an ugly 2-4 road trip. Juan Pierre went 2 for 4 and scored twice.

The White Sox banged out nine hits one night after they had 14 in an 8-0 victory over Baltimore that gave them their first series victory in three weeks. They improved to 25-7 at U.S. Cellular Field since June 9, outscoring their opponents 196-105 during the impressive stretch.

And more help could be on the way.

Chicago was awarded a waiver claim on Manny Ramirez, giving the White Sox exclusive bargaining rights for the Los Angeles Dodgers slugger, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the waiver-wire process is confidential.

The White Sox and Dodgers have until 1:30 p.m. EDT on Tuesday to complete a trade, which Ramirez would have to approve. The Dodgers also could let him go — with his consent — in which case the White Sox would simply assume his salary.

Or, Los Angeles could keep Ramirez and try to make a run at the playoffs with him.

Former White Sox outfielder Nick Swisher hit a two-run homer in the ninth for the Yankees, who have dropped three of four but remained tied with Tampa Bay for the AL East lead. Brett Gardner had two hits and drove in a run.

Burnett (9-12) struggled once again, dropping to 0-4 with a 7.80 ERA in five starts this month and putting his spot in the rotation in jeopardy.

Five of the first six White Sox batters reached. Pierre hit a leadoff double and scored on Vizquel’s single. Carlos Quentin also singled in a run and Pierzynski capped the scoring with a drive into the right-field corner, delighting the sellout crowd of 38,596.

Burnett retired the side in order in the second but Quentin scored on a wild pitch in the third and Chicago added four more in the fourth to make it 9-2.

Vizquel and Alex Rios hit consecutive RBI singles before Burnett was lifted with one out. Sergio Mitre came in and the White Sox added two more on catcher Francisco Cervelli’s throwing error and another run-scoring wild pitch.

Burnett allowed nine runs, eight earned, and eight hits. The right-hander, who also walked three and threw two wild pitches, is 3-10 with a 6.86 ERA in his last 15 starts overall.

While Burnett struggled, Garcia (11-5) snapped out of his rut by yielding two runs, one earned, and five hits for his first win since July 29 against Seattle. The right-hander was 0-1 with a 6.97 ERA in his previous four starts.

Erick Threets worked the eighth and came back out for the ninth, but was lifted after running the count full against Mark Teixeira. Threets just came off the disabled list Wednesday after being sidelined by turf toe in his left big toe.

Scott Linebrink finished for Chicago, allowing Swisher’s 23rd homer.

Mitre settled down after the rough beginning, throwing 4 2-3 innings of one-hit ball to save the Yankees’ bullpen.

NOTES: Yankees LHP Andy Pettitte (strained left groin) threw 25 pitches at about 75 percent during a bullpen session. “It was a relief,” he said. The next step will depend on how the 38-year-old Pettitte feels Saturday. … Yankees manager Joe Girardi said DH-1B Lance Berkman (sprained right ankle) is feeling good. “He’s supposed to run some time here in Chicago if he’s up for it,” Girardi said. … Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville brought the Stanley Cup to home plate as part of the pregame ceremony honoring Chicago’s recent championships in the major sports, and threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

(This version corrects home score to 196-105 in third paragraph)