White Sox Routed by Twins as James Shields’ Struggles Continue
White Sox routed by Twins on Saturday as James Shields can’t last more than two innings. Team has lost five of six games on current road trip.
James Shields horrible stretch continued on Saturday as the starter lasted just two innings against the Twins. The White Sox were beaten by the Twins 11-3 for team’s fifth loss in its last six games. With the loss, the team moved to 64-71.
After jumping out to 1-0 lead thanks to a leadoff home run from Adam Eaton, the Sox were outscored 11-2 by the Twins. The Twins added a run in the bottom of the first inning, and two more runs in the second inning. Minnesota would chase Shields in the third inning and scored eight runs in the inning. This was the second loss in the current four game series against Minnesota.
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Shields gave up three home runs to the Twins in two innings pitched. With five earned runs given up by Shields, the struggling starter’s ERA climbed to 6.07 on the season. Although Shields pitched better against the Tigers in his previous start, he hasn’t had a victory in his last seven starts. Over those starts, Shields has gone 0-4 with a 12.07 ERA.
The Twins offense exploded for four home runs off the Sox pitching on Saturday. Brian Dozier, Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano and Trevor Plouffe hit home runs for the Twins. Before the series, the Twins were riding a 13-game losing streak. Unfortunately for the Sox, their struggles against AL Central division opponents has continued into this series.
The Sox offense couldn’t solve Twins starting pitcher Hector Santiago on Saturday. The former Sox pitcher gave up three earned runs over six innings pitched while recording six strikeouts. This was Santiago’s third quality start against his former team this season. Two of those starts occurred while he was a member of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
With the Sox losing five of six games on this seven game road trip, they will have a chance to split their four game series with the Twins on Sunday. Anthony Ranaudo will start for the Sox against the Twins. He will face Twins starter Andrew Albers. After a rough start against the Tigers on August 30, Ranaudo will look to rebound and get a series split for the Sox.