Southside Showdown
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Chris Sale goes the distance, wins 9th straight start

By Brian Draus

Apr 8, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA8) Ron KittleKittle used to set off the scoreboard at Comiskey Park with his roof shots. Kittle currently serves as a White Sox ambassador.Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA8) Ron KittleKittle used to set off the scoreboard at Comiskey Park with his roof shots. Kittle currently serves as a White Sox ambassador.Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chris Sale played the stopper for the Chicago White Sox tonight, as they salvaged the final game of a 3-game set versus the Houston Astros. Sale went the distance for this 3rd complete game of the 2016 season, and also won his 9th straight start. Here is the recap:

Scoring Summary

2nd Inning (Bottom): Todd Frazier led off the inning with an infield single. Melky Cabrera and Jimmy Rollins followed him up by recording outs, bringing Jerry Sands to the plate. While Sands was at bat, Frazier was able to swipe second base. On a 3-2 count, Sands singled to center field, which scored Frazier. 1-0 White Sox headed to the top of the 3rd inning.

7th Inning (Bottom): After Melky Cabrera was retired, Jimmy Rollins hit a roller down the 3rd base line, which no one had a play on. Rollins then stole second base, and Sands advanced him to 3rd with a base hit in the hole to left. With runners on the corners and one out, Alex Avila lifted a sacrifice fly to left, which scored Rollins. 2-0 White Sox headed to the top of the 8th inning.

8th Inning (Top): Evan Gattis hit a leadoff solo home run. No other runners would reach in that inning. 2-1 White Sox headed to the bottom of the 8th inning. That would be the final score.

Escape Act

After Adam Eaton tripled to lead off the inning, Collin McHugh went to work. Carlos Sanchez hit a soft popout to left, which was followed by a key strikeout of Jose Abreu. With Eaton on 3rd and two outs, McHugh induced a flyout from Todd Frazier, keeping the score 1-0 White Sox.

Defensive Gem

This play took place in the 1st inning. With two outs and no one on, Jose Abreu drove a McHugh pitch that appeared to be headed to the right field bullpen. However, Astros right-fielder George Springer went over the wall and robbed Abreu of a home run.

Managerial Move

With Chris Sale closing in on 100 pitches, Robin Ventura left his ace in to finish the game. He allowed a one-out single to George Springer, however retired the final two hitters to end the ballgame.

Game Ball

There is no doubt this award goes to Chris Sale. It was his second straight complete game, and 9th win in a row. Not only did he save the bullpen tonight, he also ended a four-game losing streak.

Notables

Chris Sale: 9 IP, 1 ER, 9 K’s

Jerry Sands: 2-3, RBI

Todd Frazier: 1-3, R

On Deck

Friday 7:10 PM Chicago White Sox (25-16) vs Kansas City Royals (20-20)

Probables:

Jose Quintana (5-2 1.54 ERA) vs Dillon Gee (0-1 3.12 ERA)

Broadcast Info:

TV: CSN/ Radio: WLS 890 AM

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