Blue Jays stay hot with win over White Sox

CHICAGO (Reuters) - The streaking Toronto Blue Jays chalked up their 11th win in 12 games on Thursday with a 6-4 victory over American League Central-leading Chicago White Sox.

The Blue Jays (79-67) broke the deadlock with six runs in the top of the eighth, then saw Chicago score four at the bottom of the same inning but held on to take their third win of a four-game series.

The victory improved Toronto to 7-1 against Chicago this season.

"The guys stepped up tonight," Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston told reporters. "It was a team game and a team win for us tonight."

White Sox starter Gavin Floyd (15-7) left after allowing four runs in the eighth and was tagged with the loss, but Chicago (81-65) maintained a one-game lead in the division over the Minnesota Twins, who were also defeated.

Toronto shortstop Marco Scutaro finished 3-for-4 with an RBI single in the eighth.

Chicago designated hitter Jim Thome struck a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth, his 31st of the year and 538th of his career.

Jermaine Dye added a two-run double in the inning that chased starting pitcher Shaun Marcum, but the comeback bid fell short.

Blue Jays closer B.J. Ryan struck out Orlando Cabrera with two men on base to end the game and pick up his 29th save.

"Fortunately, Minnesota lost, so that's a good thing," Thome said. "As far as missed opportunities, we are trying to win games."

"It's been a fun month, let's keep it going."

Toronto's Marcum earned the win, pitching 7 1/3 innings and allowing two runs. The Blue Jays are six ½ games behind in the AL wild card race.

(Reporting by Jahmal Corner; Editing by Martin Petty)