Chicago White Sox win 2 in a row; top Cleveland Indians

Apr 11, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman

(12) hits a RBI double against the Cleveland Indians during the sixth inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago White Sox didn’t keep the Cleveland Indians from getting on base many times, but they managed to out-score their AL Central rival in consecutive games, defeating the Indians, 9-6.

The second game of the four-game series saw the White Sox bring the bats yet again, out-hitting the visiting Indians, 11-10 as they moved to 6-5 on the year.

The very best thing about this win is the White Sox have already matched their win total they had all of last season against Cleveland, where they finished with two wins and 17 losses in ’13.

Apr 11, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox left fielder

(1) reacts with shortstop

(10) after the ninth inning at U.S Cellular Field. Chicago defeats Cleveland 9-6. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago on Friday night at “The Cell” scored all their runs from the third through eighth innings, including three innings of two runs apiece.

Just looking at this win, yes, it is still early in the season, but they seem to be starting to come together, and this is the first time since the first two games of the season that they’ve shown some consistency when it comes to winning.

Plus, on another positive note … they won’t lose this series, which is something they can’t say about the previous two series this season.

Hey, at this point of the season, any good news is worth repeating.

• The Player of the Game in my opinion was Conor Gillaspie with four RBIs and a 2-for-3 day at the plate. He also walked, once and one of his hits was a double, his fourth of the season.

Gillaspie had four of the nine total RBIs by the White Sox, with Adam Eaton, Adam Dunn, Dayan Viciedo and Alexei Ramirez each having one RBI.

• Speaking of Ramirez … the shortstop has an 11-game hitting streak to start the season as he’s batting .429 this season. Is this the best we’ve seen Alexei ever play? If not, it might be the most consistent he’s played in his career.

• I’m tough on Dunn a lot, but tonight I’ll give him praise. The DH for the White Sox went 2-for-3 with two walks and one RBI, forcing a walk with the bases loaded. We all could use more nights like these from Mr. Dunn.

• Tyler Flowers had another hit. Again, with him it is about progression, and it is really showing. Maybe the White Sox have found their replacement for A.J. Pierzynski.

• Even with nine runs, the White Sox left 10 on the bases. They were 5-for-17 with RISP. I’m not sure what to think about this since the team scored nine runs. This isn’t a good trend … I just can’t accept teams leaving 10 runners on the bases in a game. It is just too many.

• Chris Sale improved to 3-0 on the season. He gave up three earned runs on six hits and two walks in five innings. He struck out five. It wasn’t his best night, but at least he got the win, had some offense on his side for once and got the win against the Indians, who he finished 0-4 against one season ago.

• The bullpen gave up three earned runs on three hits and three walks. Not great, but a lot better than we’ve seen sometimes this season. I’ll take it.

• Maikel Cleto earned his third hold of the year, allowing one walk in one inning of relief. I really like this guy as he has what the bullpen has been lacking this season … consistency.

• The loss went to Carlos Carrasco, who is 0-2 this season with a 7.84 ERA. He struck out five White Sox players but gave up five earned runs.

• Saturday’s starters will be Justin Masterson (0-0, 4.22 ERA) for the Indians and Felipe Paulino (0-1, 6.52 ERA).

Subscribe to the Southside Showdown free daily newsletter from FanSided by clicking here or add the the FanSided mobile app by clicking here. Please follow Southside Showdown on Twitter and like us on Facebook.