Jones feeling confident as he shines on the mound

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NEW YORK --- Jesse Crains tight shoulder afforded Nate Jones another big opportunity on Friday night and the rookie shined.

Jones earned a hold in Fridays 14-7 victory as he entered a three-run game in the bottom of the eighth inning and struck out two in a scoreless frame. It was the fifth hold for Jones --- 3-0 with a 2.97 ERA in 30 games --- earned this season and the second time he pitched with the lead in the eighth inning of a game still in doubt.

When I first came up I never imagined that, Jones said. But the job is still the same. You still have to go out there, throw strikes, get ahead and get guys out and try to do your best putting up zeroes. (This is) all new to me. Whatever they have me do, Im more than happy to do it. It just has evolved into this and Im thankful.

The right-hander said he and the other rookies in the bullpen have benefited from the trust shown to them by White Sox manager Robin Ventura and pitching coach Don Cooper.

Both Coop and Robin show a lot of confidence in us, Jones said. It does nothing but make you have confidence in yourself.

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