White Sox walk-off for 2nd straight game
Apr 15, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox infielder Marcus Semien (center) celebrates with the team after defeating the Boston Red Sox at U.S Cellular Field. The Chicago White Sox won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
The 2014 version of the White Sox are fun, exciting and like to keep you on the edge of your seat, and Tuesday night was nothing different.
It may have taken the White Sox being down to their final out in the bottom of the ninth with the score tied at one — and a little bit of luck on their side — but they, for the second consecutive game, won with Alexei Ramirez crossing home plate for a 2-1 win.
Chicago gained the game-winning run with Ramirez standing on second base, as Marcus Semien hit a ground ball to the shortstop, where the throw over to first for the final out wasn’t on target, allowing a racing Ramirez to round third, and reach home plate for the one-run victory.
Apr 15, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox infielder Marcus Semien hits a game-winning RBI single after a fielding error by Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Carp at U.S Cellular Field. The Chicago White Sox won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
The first run by the White Sox came in the second inning off a solo home run by Adam Dunn.
Daniel Nava hit a solo home run for the Red Sox in the top of the fourth.
Though the offense provided the excitement to earn the two runs, it was the White Sox pitching (yes the bullpen as well) who really won this game for Chicago.
Starter Erik Johnson was outstanding in 6.2 innings pitched. He allowed one earned run on three hits and two walks, while striking out nine in his best start of the season.
Johnson lowered his ERA from 9.58 to 6.35 in his third start of the season. For my complete thoughts on Johnson’s start, click here.
The bullpen was also impressive, which is something I haven’t said in a long time.
Scott Downs, Jake Petricka, Donnie Veal and Daniel Webb combined to pitch 2.1 innings in relief, allowing no runs on no hits and one walk. Downs, Petricka and Veal all had a strikeout.
Webb was the winning pitcher, in 0.1 innings pitched, for his first win of the season.
The loss went to Burke Badenhop of Boston.
Other facts and thoughts:
• Red Sox starting pitcher and former White Sox starter, Jake Peavy, pitched 6.0 innings, allowing one earned run on three hits and four walks. He struck out eight in a no-decision. Peavy has a season ERA of 1.93.
• Dayan Viciedo led Chicago at the plate with two hits as they totaled five on the night.
• Besides his home run, Dunn also forced three walks.
• Two walk-off wins by the White Sox is just refreshing and exciting. I know I use the word “exciting” a lot, but after seeing a team lose 99 times last season, I’m going to over-saturate articles at times with the word “exciting” from time-to-time. Forgive me.
• It was also a classy and great gesture by the White Sox for wearing the “Boston Strong” shirts during pregame, on the one-year anniversary of the Boston bombings.
• Also, never forget Jackie Robinson … if not for him and all he endured, the game of baseball wouldn’t be as great as it is today. He might have been proud to see the No. 42 cross home plate to win in walk-off fashion.
• #ThankYouJackie42
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