Archer avoids 20th loss in final start of season

CHICAGO - Chris Archer prides himself on his durability. That's why he didn't back out of his last start of the season, despite the prospect of becoming the majors' first 20-game loser since 2003.

The result was a confidence-boosting performance that got him to his goal of 200 innings.

Archer overcame a shaky seventh inning to avoid the dubious 20-loss milestone and lead the Tampa Bay Rays past the Chicago White Sox, 5-3 on Thursday night.

Archer (9-19) allowed three runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings to help the Rays snap a six-game skid and leave Detroit's Mike Maroth as the only pitcher to lose 20 games this century.

''More than anything else, I'm trying to make every start and I'm trying to pitch 200 innings. That's my No. 1 priority,'' Archer said. ''The first half of the season was up and down, so to accomplish that feat was really nice for me, personally.''

Adam Eaton's groundout to lead off the sixth put Archer over 200 innings for the second consecutive season. But it's been nothing like 2015, when Archer was an All-Star and fifth in the Cy Young Award voting.

While Archer has pitched better in the second half, he's gotten little support. Tampa Bay scored two or fewer runs in 15 of his 19 losses, leaving him one loss shy of being the second pitcher in 36 years to lose 20.

''Honestly, I never let those types of things creep into my mind. It's pointless to think about negatives,'' Archer said. ''I'm just glad I don't have to answer the question.''

Archer's five strikeouts gave him 233, second in the AL behind Detroit's Justin Verlander. He finished with eight consecutive quality starts and a 4.02 ERA.

''I learned a lot about myself and I think that's the biggest thing,'' Archer said. ''You take this season and you grow from it. I think all of us starters are going to be poised for much more success next year.''