White Sox win 2-1, Improve to 10-5
By Brian Draus
1. 102. 2. 128. Final
CHICAGO – Even though the White Sox offensive struggles continued, they were still able to pick up their 10th win of the 2016 season, the first team in the American League to do so this season. Chris Sale showed why he is among the best starting pitchers in baseball, as he went 7 IP+, giving up only one run (unearned). David Robertson earned his 6th save of the year, as he recorded the final four outs of the ballgame for the White Sox.
Scoring summary
1st inning (Bottom): Tyler Saladino hit a solo homer to left field off of Angels starter Garrett Richards with one out. No other Sox hitters would reach base in this inning. 1-0 Sox after one.
5th inning (Bottom): Leading off the inning, Alex Avila doubled to the right-center field gap. Austin Jackson then laid down a bunt, which pitcher Garrett Richards threw away, scoring Avila. That would be the end of the scoring in the 5th inning. 2-0 Sox after five.
8th inning (Top): Kole Calhoun reached base on a HBP to lead off the inning facing Chris Sale. Sale was then pulled in favor of Nate Jones, who retired Soto and Cron, however Calhoun advanced to second on a wild pitch while Soto was batting. With two outs and a runner on second base, Johnny Giavotella reached safely on an error by third baseman Todd Frazier, putting runners at 1st and 3rd with two outs. Jones was relieved in favor of closer David Robertson, who gave up a single just to pinch hitter Rafael Ortega just under the glove of second baseman Brett Lawrie. With the game on the bases, Yunel Escobar grounded out to end the inning. 2-1 Sox headed to the bottom of the 8th.
Escape Act
The White Sox were able to avoid serious trouble in the top of the 9th inning, with the 2-4 hitters coming to the plate. Andrelton Simmons hit a line shot to center fielder Austin Jackson, who caught it in the heel of his glove. The next play may have saved the game for the White Sox. Mike Trout hit a ground ball that Todd Frazier made a diving play on. Frazier then threw to first, however the ball got past Jerry Sands giving Trout a shot at second base. Trout then slipped and fell as he attempted to head to second, and Sands threw a strike to shortstop Tyler Saladino, who put the tag on Trout for the second out of the inning. That would bring future Hall-of-Famer Albert Pujols to the plate, who grounded out weakly back to Robertson, ending the game.
Defensive Gem
In the top of the fourth inning with speedster Mike Trout on first base, and slugger Albert Pujols at the plate the White Sox were trying to protect a slim one run lead at the time. White Sox catcher Alex Avila did just that when Angels outfield Mike Trout attempted to put himself in scoring position with a steal of second, to his dismay he was gunned down by Avila, who launched a strike to shortstop Tyler Saladino to nab Trout, and end the scoring threat.
Managerial Move
Considering the fact that closer David Robertson hadn’t pitched in almost a week, Robin Ventura made the decision to bring him in for the four out save. Even though he gave up a base hit in the 8th that led to a run, he was able to survive the 9th and earn the save.
Notables
Tyler Saladino: 1-4 HR, RBI, R
Alex Avila: 1-3, 2B, R
Chris Sale: 7 IP, 0 ER, W (4-0)
Game Ball
Chris Sale was his usual self in this game, leading the Sox to another win. He went deep into another ballgame, which is a major issue considering the fact that Carlos Rodon only retired one hitter on Monday.
On Deck
Thursday 1:10 PM: Chicago White Sox (10-5) vs Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (6-9) @U.S. Cellular Field
Probables: John Danks (0-2 7.94 ERA) vs. Jered Weaver (1-0 4.35 ERA)
Broadcast Info: TV: CSN/Radio: WLS 890 AM