What a difference a day makes. Gavin Floyd and Chris Sale are heading in different directions.

Saturday, Floyd gave up leadoff home runs for 3 straight innings. One of MLB’s biggest power hitters, Ichiro Suzuki got him twice. Ichiro came into the game with 1 home run, but somehow mustered the strength to go yard twice. Floyd’s curve ball looked as good as it has been all year. Unfortunately, he didn’t put it in places where the hitters couldn’t get it.

So Ichiro got Floyd leading off the 1st and 3rd, while Justin Smoak got him at the top of he 2nd. Floyd made it three batters into the 4th before Michael Saunders tagged him with a 2-run shot.

With all those Mariners home runs you would think it was a runaway for them, but it was a back and forth game.

The Sox matched the M’s with 4 home runs themselves. The big one was hit by Dayan Viciedo, whose game tying shot in the 8th excited the crowd, and what I thought would lead the Sox to another victory. It didn’t as the Sox lost 10-8 in 12 innings.

While Floyd’s struggles continue, Chris Sale’s stock is soaring. Sale, named A.L. pitcher of the month for May before the game, pitched like an All-Star in his first June start.

Sale pitched his first career complete game, allowing 5 hits and 2 runs, while striking out 8. He also threw 119 pitches. That’s the second straight time with pitches in the teens for the young lefthander. Hard to believe he was the teams closer for 1 day a month ago.

I think Gordon’s Beckham’s parents need to buy a home in Chicago. Their son had a great 3 games, going 6-16 with 3 home runs, and 7 RBI. Don’t go home mom and dad Beckham. Beckham’s average is now at .237.

Another guy swinging a potent bat is Alex Rios, who had 5 hits over the 3 games. Rios looks real comfortable at the plate, which he didn’t at all last year.

I keep expecting Alejandro De Aza to go into a slump, but he just keeps putting up numbers. The center fielder hit .625 in two games vs. the Mariners. He also chipped in 2 stolen bases, and a real nice assist in Saturday’s game. What was John Jaso thinking challenging the guy?

Did you see Carlton Fisk at Saturday’s game? The guy has put on a few pounds, but still looks like he could catch an inning or two.

Sox go into their day off with a 2.5 game lead over the 2nd place Indians. They are 6 ahead of the Tigers.