CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox broke out of an offensive slump and needed every run to defeat the Cleveland Indians 7-6 in the first game of a doubleheader Monday at U.S. Cellular Field.

Brett Lawrie, playing designated hitter for the first time this season, led the way for the White Sox by going 2-for-2 with a two-out, three-run home run in the fifth inning that put Chicago up 6-3.

The White Sox (27-18), who had scored five total runs in their previous three games, made it 7-3 with a run in the seventh off two errors and three walks. That was the difference after the Indians (22-20) scored three runs in the eighth, highlighted by Jose Ramirez's two-run homer off reliever Matt Albers.

Nate Jones relieved Albers and got the final out of the eighth with a strikeout, and closer David Robertson worked the ninth, stranding the tying run at second, for his 12th save.

Todd Frazier went 2-for-3 and hit a home run for the White Sox, who upped their lead in the Central Division over the second-place Indians to 3 1/2 games, pending the result of the second game.

Austin Jackson also had a big game, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs and drawing the bases-loaded walk that scored the winning run. Chicago starter Mat Latos (6-1) picked up the win after allowing three runs in six innings.

Mike Clevinger (0-1) made the second start of his major-league career for Cleveland (22-20) and took the loss. Clevinger allowed six runs on seven hits in five innings. Mike Napoli (1-for-3) and Marlon Byrd (1-for-3) also hit home runs for the Indians, who will start right-hander Cody Anderson (0-3, 7.99 ERA) in the nightcap.

The White Sox, who will start Erik Johnson (0-1, 7.20) in the second game, took the lead three times in the first five innings. Cleveland twice bounced back to tie it.

Frazier gave Chicago a 1-0 lead with a solo homer in the first, but Napoli tied it 1-1 to start the second with his own solo shot off Latos. The White Sox then added a run in both the third and fourth innings to lead 3-1, but the Indians again tied it on Byrd's two-run homer off Latos in the fifth.

Lawrie countered with a three-run shot in the bottom of the fifth off Clevinger to put Chicago back in front a third time. Latos retired the side in the sixth before giving way to the bullpen.

NOTES: The White Sox recalled RHP Tommy Kahnle from Triple-A Charlotte as their 26th man for the doubleheader. Kahnle, 26, was active for both games against the Indians. ... Cleveland placed RHP Joba Chamberlain on the 15-day disabled list with a left intercostal strain and recalled LHP Ryan Merritt from Triple-A Columbus to take his roster spot. ... RHP Carlos Carrasco (left hamstring strain) threw three-inning simulated game Monday and followed it with 10 pitches in the bullpen. Carrasco's next step will be a three-inning rehab outing Saturday with Low-A Lake County of the Midwest League. ... LF Michael Brantley (right rotator cuff) is expected to start swinging a bat Tuesday and be re-evaluated after the Indians return home following the series against the White Sox. ... Cleveland recalled RHP Cody Anderson from Triple-A Columbus as their 26th man and he was scheduled to start the second game.