Swisher, White Sox defeat A's

By JOE STIGLICH
CONTRA COSTA TIMES

last updated: July 06, 2008 03:02:54 AM

CHICAGO -- Nick Swisher's influence on the Chicago White Sox was felt right away, even if that impact wasn't taking place in the batter's box.

He struggled mightily over the first two months of this season after being traded from the A's in exchange for three players back in January.

Since then Swisher has picked things up offensively, and he did some damage to his former team Saturday as the White Sox hung a 6-1 loss on Oakland at U.S. Cellular Field.

A's left-hander Greg Smith hung a change-up that Swisher swatted for a solo homer to left in the second that jump-started Chicago's offense. The Sox added two more homers that blended nicely with the stingy pitching effort of Gavin Floyd (10-4), as the Sox limited the A's to four hits just one night after Oakland cranked out 17.

Until Saturday, Swisher had been stymied by his old teammates. He was 1 for 8 in the first two games of this series, including a three-strikeout night Thursday, and was just 3 for 14 in the four games the teams had played before Saturday.

"I tell you what, these guys had my number since we started playing," Swisher said.

Swisher's larger-than-life persona seemed tailor made for the Windy City following his trade from the A's. But White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said there was a definite adjustment period for Swisher, who Guillen immediately installed in the leadoff spot.

"I think he didn't know how big the scenario was here, how the media and people were," Guillen said. "I think he put a little bit of pressure on himself. I think he tried to carry the club on his back."

Swisher's average sat at .201 at the end of May, as he was dropped down in the order. But he hit .315 with seven homers and 23 RBIs in June.

Ryan Sweeney, one of the players the A's obtained for Swisher, was Oakland's offensive bright spot.

He reached base in all four of his plate appearances and hit his third homer of the season to lead off the ninth and spoil Chicago's shutout bid.

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