Gerrit Cole wins MLB-best 11th as Pirates top White Sox 3-2

CHICAGO (AP) - Gerrit Cole became the majors' first 11-game winner and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the struggling Chicago White Sox 3-2 on Thursday night to extend their winning streak to a season-high eight games.

Cole (11-2) allowed two runs and three hits in seven innings, and has won each of his last six starts while giving up two runs or less in each. Mark Melancon pitched the ninth for his 23rd save.

Jung Ho Kang went 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored, and Josh Harrison and Gregory Polanco each drove in a run for Pittsburgh. The Pirates, who also won 3-2 Wednesday, have won seven times in their last 11 games while scoring three runs or less.

Geovany Soto hit a solo home run for Chicago, which has dropped a season-high seven games.

Jake Petricka (1-2) took the loss in relief of starter Jeff Samardzija, who went seven innings.

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