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WASHINGTON -- Jayson Werth and Adam LaRoche each hit two-run homers off Jake Peavy in the sixth inning and a late rally by the Chicago White Sox fell short in an 8-7 loss to the Washington Nationals in the first game of their interleague series Tuesday night.

How it happened: Both the White Sox and Nationals are adept at hitting home runs and that was the difference in the game. Washington starter Gio Gonzalez only allowed a run on four hits and the White Sox got a break when he left after the fifth. Paul Konerko did most of the damage with a game-tying sacrifice fly in the sixth and a three-run homer in the seventh. However, Werth's third RBI off a single and LaRoche's second homer allowed the Nationals to pull away for their fifth win in seven games. White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham left the game at the end of the second inning with nerve irritation in his left wrist and is listed as day-to-day. White Sox right fielder Alex Rios homered for the fourth consecutive game in the ninth to cut the margin to one.

What it means: The White Sox hit a speed bump with their dominance in interleague play, falling to 163-121 all-time, second only to the Yankees. The Sox also lost for only the ninth time in 31 games in National League parks. Nonetheless, the Sox still have an opportunity to win their 13th consecutive interleague series if they can pick up victories in their final two games in Washington.

Outside the box: Home runs have been the key for the White Sox offense and Konerko provided a spark with a three-run homer in the seventh to cut Washington's lead to 6-5. So far this season, 20 of the White Sox’s 29 runs have come via the long ball. However, the Nationals' Gonzalez, who was the first lefty starter the White Sox faced this season, kept hitters off-balance with a mix of fastballs and curves. The White Sox had much more success against the Nationals' bullpen, managing six runs and seven hits. Still, the White Sox might have to do a better job of manufacturing runs on nights where they suffer from a power outage.

Off beat: Third baseman Jeff Keppinger snapped out of an 0-for-19 skid with a one-out, first-inning single. The hit helped the White Sox load the bases and eventually score the game's first run on a balk. Keppinger also picked up another single in the seventh and is now batting .115 on the season. Keppinger, who was signed as a free agent in December, is expected to solve the White Sox problems in finding an efficient No. 2 hitter. Last season, White Sox hitters batted only .221 from that spot. Keppinger is a proven commodity with a lifetime .288 average after breaking into the majors in 2004 with the Mets. Last season, he set a career-high with nine home runs and led Tampa Bay with a .325 average. If Keppinger begins to heat up, it will bode well for Chicago's ability to manufacture runs as opposed to relying on homers, where they are tied for second with Minnesota in the American League with 11.

Up next: The White Sox will play the second game of the three-game series Wednesday against the Nationals. White Sox right-hander Gavin Floyd (0-1, 3.00), who grew up in nearby Annapolis, Md. and should have a large contingent of family and friends in the stands, will face Nationals right-hander Jordan Zimmermann (1-0, 1.50)

WASHINGTON -- When Adam Dunn arrived at Nationals Park on Tuesday for the first time in three years, he was greeted by several security guards like he never left the nation's capital.

Although he only spent two seasons with the Nationals, the Chicago White Sox designated hitter is fondly remembered by the fans and staff for his affable demeanor. Dunn also was a force in the lineup, averaging 38 home runs and 104 RBIs in 2009 and 2010. Dunn sat at his locker prior to the game surrounded by reporters and a host of well-wishers, and said no one should be surprised about the Nationals’ recent run of success.

"I don't think it's a surprise to anyone here or anyone in baseball," Dunn said. "I caught kind of the beginning of it with (Stephen Strasburg coming and signing (Bryce Harper. For me, it was easy to see that these guys were going to go from a decent competitive team to one that is really, really good."

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ESPNChicago.com's Bruce Levine takes your Cubs and White Sox questions during a live chat at noon CT Tuesday. Click here to submit your questions.

CHICAGO -- While the Chicago White Sox's Dayan Viciedo and Alex Rios have had to live with the label of “inconsistent” during their major league careers, both players delivered in Sunday’s 4-3 win over the Seattle Mariners.

A walk-off home run by Viciedo in the 10th inning was set up by Rios’ game-tying blast in the seventh.

“I guess I am seeing the ball very well,” Rios said “ I try to take a good approach at the plate and see it.”

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CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox's bullpen was at it again Sunday, delivering three shutout innings that bought the offense enough time to pull off a 4-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners in 10 innings.

Newcomer Matt Lindstrom offered his third consecutive scoreless outing in a White Sox uniform, especially impressive since one of those outings was a 2 1/3-inning stint Friday that matched a career long.

Jesse Crain and Addison Reed each followed Sunday with their own scoreless inning. Reed hasn’t been scored upon in any of his four outings and has three saves and a victory to show for them.

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CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox are not concerned with how it looks, only that the desired result is achieved.

If that sounds a lot like the “Winning Ugly" season of 1983, well that’s only fitting since the White Sox wore those old red, white and blue jerseys to honor the former American League West champs for the first of 13 home Sunday games this season.

It’s not lost on the current club that despite winning their first two home series, there are plenty of areas for improvement. The pessimist can call it unfulfilled potential. The optimists look at it as a good sign moving forward.

“I think we have a chance to be a pretty good ballclub, especially if we clean up some things,” catcher Tyler Flowers said. “I think the offense will get going a little more than it has and our pitching has been quality so far.”

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CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox will alter their pitching rotation during the upcoming road trip, moving Dylan Axelrod into the upcoming series at Washington against the Nationals.

The White Sox also announced that Jose Quintana will be moved to Friday’s series opener at Cleveland.

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CHICAGO -- Dayan Viciedo hit a home run in the bottom of the 10th inning Sunday to give the Chicago White Sox a 4-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners.

How it happened: Viciedo’s game-winning shot was only fitting as the game shaped up as a bit of a home run challenge. The Mariners’ Michael Morse and the White Sox’s Adam Dunn traded off two-run home runs in the first inning. The Mariners’ Kendrys Morales hit a solo shot in the sixth, while Alex Rios matched that one inning later. It was Viciedo’s first career game-ending home run. The previous game-ending homer for the White Sox came from Jordan Danks last season.

What it means: If the White Sox showed anything in the opening series it’s that pitching and home run hitting can get it done for stretches. The White Sox will gladly take more pitching, but the consensus is that the offense is going to have to start stringing together hits in order to get consistent run production. The White Sox hit 11 home runs in the season-opening homestand, while giving up four.

Outside the box: The White Sox’s fielding woes are spreading. Gordon Beckham joined the error parade Sunday when he made a wide throw to first base in the eighth inning. It was the White Sox’s seventh error in the first six games. Last season, they led the major leagues by committing just 70 errors the entire season.

Off beat: Alex Rios has been making waves with his hot start. His long ball Sunday gave him home runs in three consecutive games for the first time in his career. On Saturday, when he went deep against Felix Hernandez, it was the first time since 2011 that somebody hit a home run against the Mariners’ ace on an 0-2 count. Adrian Beltre was the last to do it. The White Sox’s Josh Fields did it in 2007.

Up next: After a day off Monday, the White Sox will open a three-game interleague series at Washington against the Nationals. White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy (1-0, 1.50 ERA) will face Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez (1-0, 0.00) in Tuesday’s series opener.

CHICAGO – The faces might have changed, but an April Gold Glove Award presentation at U.S. Cellular Field remained the same.

Jake Peavy was given his hardware before Sunday’s game against the Seattle Mariners, the first time somebody other than Mark Buehrle won the American League award for pitchers since 2008. Peavy actually will share the 2012 award with the Tampa Bay Rays’ Jeremy Hellickson.

“It's something I feel very blessed to have won,” Peavy said. “When you get to the age I've gotten to, you try to be as well-rounded of a player as you can possibly be. Fielding your position, getting off the mound and holding baserunners is something I take a lot of pride in. To be recognized for that is an honor.”

After winning the fielding award for four consecutive seasons, Buehrle moved to the National League with the Miami Marlins last season and did not win the award. He’s back in the AL now, though, with the Toronto Blue Jays.

“Greg Maddux was in the National League and now we've got Buehrle back, so I'm sure it's going to be even harder to win once again,” Peavy said about his first Gold Glove. “But it's something we all take pride in. To be recognized by opposing managers for holding baserunners and fielding your position, it means so much.”

CHICAGO – With the White Sox heading into interleague play Tuesday at Washington against the Nationals, they have the perfect pitcher on the mound.

Jake Peavy not only has experience pitching in the National League from his days with the San Diego Padres, he appreciates being able to take his cuts at the plate. Pitchers come to the plate in interleague games at National League parks.

“I love that style of game in the National League,” Peavy said. “I love the pitcher being an integral part of the game -- you’re being an athlete and having a chance to impact the game. If you practice being better than the other guy, it’s one advantage you have over the other starting pitcher. That’s a big reason I felt I had one more advantage.”

Tuesday night will be a marquee matchup of sorts with Peavy facing former White Sox farmhand Gio Gonzalez. A Chris Sale-Stephen Strasburg matchup would have turned even more heads, but both pitchers won’t take the mound in the series.

“Hitting against Gio is another thing; Gio is an outstanding talent,” Peavy said. “We have our work cut out for us Tuesday night. It will be fun, first road trip of the year, guys excited to get out. We’re going to rent us a room Monday night and watch the (NCAA) national championship game. That will be good for the team, then get us some rest.”

As the debate continues as to whether both leagues should either have the designated hitter, or both should let the pitcher bat, manager Robin Ventura thinks it’s all wasted breath.

“I like that it's different; there's room for both,” Ventura said. “The DH has kept a lot of players that couldn't play defense that are good hitters still; they get to extend their careers. I think there's a part of the National League game, having played in the National League, that it's fun. It creates a different thing for bench players that wouldn't happen in the American League. They get a little more action in the National League than the American League, but I think there's room for both.”

Ventura’s strategy skills are sure to be tested with pinch-hitting decisions and double-switch possibilities.

“You watch the National League and you watch the double switches, you watch how many players on the bench get used as opposed to here, it's pretty black and white,” Peavy said. “Very rarely do we ever pinch hit. In the National League, there are a lot of moving parts every night and the managers can really impact a game with what moves they make and when.

“The game's a little bit different. I'm sure Robin will tell you the same thing, going into these National League parks. Double switching and all that stuff, you've really got to be on top of your game to manage in the National League, and I’m sure Robin will tell you that as well.”

After the three-game series against the Nationals this week, the White Sox won’t have another interleague series until May 7-8 when they travel to New York to face the Mets. They play the Cubs in back-to-back two-game series May 27-28 at U.S. Cellular Field and May 29-30 at Wrigley Field.

CHICAGO -- Conor Gillaspie was in the Chicago White Sox's starting lineup for a second consecutive day, as expected, with Jeff Keppinger getting his first day off.

Keppinger is in the midst of a 1-for-21 start at the plate and the hit came in his second at-bat of the season. Gillaspie, meanwhile, had two hits Saturday against Mariners ace Felix Hernandez and scored a pair of runs.

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A 27-year-old baseball vagabond without a dominant pitch rarely has a chance to stay on a major league roster. Dylan Axelrod is trying to beat those odds as he replaces rehabbing starter John Danks in the White Sox rotation.

Axelrod has had a few (11) spot starts for the team over the past three seasons when Sox pitchers were unable to take their turns. "He is what you see,” manager Robin Ventura said. "It doesn’t seem to matter what the situation, he is under control and very confident. You can’t tell what he is thinking by what is going on out there. He is very composed for a young pitcher and he knows what he is doing."

Matching up against Seattle Mariners superstar Felix Hernandez, one of the most complete pitchers in baseball, didn’t seem to bother the Santa Barbara, Calif., native Saturday.

"I thought we would get at least one run," Axelrod said. "Obviously it is a tough matchup coming in. My goal was to keep us in the game and see what our offense could do.”

The White Sox won 4-3.

Just making an Opening Day major league roster for the first time was exciting for Axelrod, who has never had a complete season in the major leagues. He ended up with a no-decision Saturday, going 5 2/3 innings, and allowing three hits and an unearned run on 97 pitches in his first start of the season.

"With experience and success, it gets easier to be out there,” he said. “After a while you feel like you are in control and belong."

The White Sox pitcher used a 25 mph wind that was swirling around the park to his advantage.

"I was able to in certain counts to challenge guys and the ball hung up there in center field. I did pay attention to that a little bit," he said.

Axelrod was originally signed by the San Diego Padres in 2007, then released and was signed by the White Sox out of the independent league in 2009. After beating the bushes for a number of years, he might have found a niche. It appears the White Sox will continue to use Axelrod as a starter until Danks is able to regain his arm strength.

The White Sox scored two runs on a home run by Alex Rios in the sixth inning, making a winner out of Donald Veal, who relieved Axelrod in the top half of the inning.

"Axelrod was doing what he wanted to do on the mound today,” Rios said. “He was controlling his pitches very well and hitting his spots. He doesn’t try to throw a fastball by you. He changes speeds. He is not a power pitcher so he relies on changing speeds. He has pretty good stuff."

CHICAGO – Those swirling winds inside U.S. Cellular Field on Saturday were fitting as amateur storm chaser Conor Gillaspie used his first ever White Sox start to land on the radar.

The left-handed hitting third baseman, who was acquired in a trade with the San Francisco Giants at the start of spring training, not only delivered a pair of hits in the White Sox’s 4-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners, but also impressed with his glove.

He tripled in the fifth inning against Felix Hernandez and scored the White Sox’s first run, then added another hit off Hernandez in the seventh inning and scored the run that ended up being the difference in the victory. All in all, it seemed much easier than tracking down tornadoes as he likes to do in his spare time.

“For Conor, he wants to be a storm chaser and it was a perfect day for him,” manager Robin Ventura said. “He’s pretty comfortable in those conditions and it’s one of those reasons we picked him up. He’s a tough kid and plays hard and as a compact swing that has a lot of pop with it too.”

It begs the obvious question: with starting third baseman Jeff Keppinger struggling at the outset, will Ventura give Gillaspie more playing time?

The only guarantee he seems to be getting is that he will start Sunday’s series finale at third base against the Mariners.

Gillaspie’s two hits in his lone start already give him more than Keppinger in five games. Keppinger played first base Saturday after playing the first four games at third base. With an 0-for-4 day, Keppinger is now 1-for-21 on the season and hitless in his last 19 at-bats.

“We don’t have any dilemmas,” Ventura said. “Probably (Sunday) we’ll get him in there and get him some at-bats here and there, but I think with Kepp it’s just a bad rut and it’s a small sample. We know his track record and it will change.”

CHICAGO – Up against a former Cy Young Award winner, the Chicago White Sox had just enough for a 4-3 victory Saturday over the Seattle Mariners.

HOW IT HAPPENED: It’s why they play the games as the White Sox used injury-replacement starter Dylan Axelrod to get the best of the Mariners and ace Felix Hernandez. Axelrod, who is in the fifth spot only because John Danks is on the disabled list, went a solid 5⅔ innings, giving up an unearned run on three hits. The White Sox got to Hernandez with two run-scoring sacrifice flies and a two-run home run from Alex Rios. Addison Reed closed it out for his third save.

WHAT IT MEANS: While five games is far too soon to pull the plug on the struggling Jeff Keppinger as the third baseman, Conor Gillaspie showed he deserves some playing time. In his first start in a White Sox uniform he not only got the White Sox out of a jam in the top of the fifth when he went toward the line to start an impressive double play, he tripled to lead off the bottom of the inning and scored the tying run. He would also bring another left-handed bat to a lineup that only has two (Alejandro De Aza and Adam Dunn). As Gillaspie played third base, Keppinger moved to first base for the day.

OUTSIDE THE BOX: It hasn’t been the kind of start the White Sox were expecting out of Nate Jones. The right-handed reliever was charged with a run the day after he lost his first game of his career while giving up two runs. He has made three appearances this season and has put on a base runner each time. While it’s far too soon to panic, he already has an 11.57 ERA during the first week.

OFFBEAT: All it took was a little research to see that the White Sox actually stood a fair chance of defeating the Mariners and Hernandez. The right-hander is considered one of baseball’s best but not because of his appearances at U.S. Cellular Field. Hernandez is now 1-5 in eight career starts at the White Sox’s home park with a 4.88 ERA and has allowed 11 home runs.

UP NEXT: The White Sox will turn the rotation over for the first time as left-hander Chris Sale (1-0, 0.00) returns to the mound in the finale of the three-game series and season-opening homestand. The Mariners will counter with right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma (1-0, 1.50) in the 1:10 p.m. start from U.S. Cellular Field.

CHICAGO – Although they will represent the 1983 “Winning Ugly” White Sox team on Sunday, the current squad feels like it will look pretty sharp.

The White Sox will turn back the clock to the 1980s each home Sunday, wearing the pullover jersey with red-and-navy accents and the block-lettered S-O-X across the front. The pants will have each player's number on one leg.

Last season, the White Sox wore the white-and-red pinstripe uniform from 1972 for every Sunday home game.

“I think everybody is excited to wear them,” said Paul Konerko, who has worn the jersey in the past on a throwback day. “I think everybody likes them better that the ones last year for some reason. It’ll be cool. I think the ’83 team, you still see those uniforms a lot, fans wear them. I’m sure fans will get a kick out of them and hopefully we can win games like they did in ’83 because they won the division.”

The White Sox will actually have two looks to the uniform. They will wear the predominately white ones during games, but during batting practice, the jersey top will be predominately navy with red accents and white lettering and numbering.

“If it’s cold, I’m going to be covering it up,” manager Robin Ventura said. “Guys, they like that stuff, wearing a uniform like that. Harold (Baines) will probably feel the most comfortable. He’s going to wear his old one.”

Sadly, Ventura was kidding. Baines won't be going into the attic for his old uniform.

Baines, the club’s assistant hitting coach, was in his fourth full season in 1983 when the White Sox won the American League West. He batted .280 with 20 home runs and 99 RBIs that year to finish 10th in the AL MVP voting.