Alex Rios, A.J. Pierzynski and Gordon Beckham hit home runs, Jose Quintana pitched 7 2/3 strong innings, and the White Sox defeated the Detroit Tigers 6-1 before 30,287 fans on Monday night at U.S. Cellular Field.

In the first of a four-game series between the top two teams in the American League Central, the Sox widened their lead to three games.

Quintana (6-4), who pitched out of trouble early when he allowed six hits in the first three innings, retired 15 of the last 17 Tigers he faced. He gave up seven hits and two walks while striking out seven. In his two previous starts, Quintana didn't get past the fourth inning.

Rios hit a three-run shot against Rick Porcello (9-12) in the sixth, and Pierzynski followed with his career high 26th homer to make it 4-1. Beckham hit a two-run shot in the ninth against Octavio Dotel. It was Beckham's 14th homer, tying his career high.