In 14, Surging Nats Beat White Sox 9-5

CHICAGO (AP) -- Brian Bixler raced home on shortstop Alexei Ramirez's throwing error to start a four-run 14th inning and the Washington Nationals beat the Chicago White Sox 9-5 on Friday night in their first game since manager Jim Riggleman resigned.

Riggleman stepped down after a 1-0 win over Seattle on Thursday, upset he couldn't get a conversation with general manager Mike Rizzo about the team picking up his option for 2012. The stunning move came with the Nationals playing their best ball of the season, and interim manager John McLaren led Washington to its 12th victory in 13 games.

Davey Johnson, a senior adviser with the Nationals who managed the Mets to the 1986 World Series title, has talked to Rizzo talked about the job and is considered a top candidate. Bixler, who entered in the eighth when outfielder Jerry Hairston and McLaren were ejected, hit a tiebreaking RBI double in the 12th. But A.J. Pierzynski homered on an 0-2 pitch from Tyler Clippard with two outs in the bottom half to tie it at 5.

In the 14th, Bixler reached on an infield hit against Matt Thornton (0-4) and stole second. Ian Desmond hit a grounder to Ramirez, whose low throw hopped past first baseman Mark Teahen as Bixler scored to give the Nats the lead. Roger Bernadina then singled in an insurance run and Ryan Zimmerman added a two-run double.

Collin Balester (1-0) pitched two innings of scoreless relief for the win.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.