Sox fall to Angels 3-2, drop to 10-6.
128. Final. 3. 102. 2
A late rally by the White Sox came up short, as they dropped the final game of a four-game set to the Angels. John Danks recorded a quality start, however took the loss for the White Sox (0-3). I think the John Danks watch is officially on, as he was very fortunate not to give up 5+ runs in this game.
Scoring summary
5th inning (Top): After a double play, Andrelton Simmons reached on a single to left field. Then Mike Trout hit a no-doubter to left-center, scoring both he and Simmons. 2-0 Angels headed to the bottom of the 5th.
7th inning (Bottom): With the bases empty, Melky Cabrera hit a home run to right field over the bullpen. 2-1 Angels headed to the Top of the 8th inning.
9th inning (Top): Kole Calhoun would lead off the inning with a double down the line in left, and was sacrificed to third by Cliff Pennington. Zach Duke walked C.J. Cron (who pitched the whole inning), putting runners on the corners with one out. Then, on an 0-1 count (first pitch was a failed squeeze attempt), catcher Carlos Perez successfully laid down a bunt on a squeeze play scoring Calhoun. 3-1 Angels headed to the bottom of the 9th.
9th inning (Bottom): For the first time all series, Angels closer Huston Street entered the ballgame looking for a save. After retiring the first two hitters, Todd Frazier hit a solo home run to right field. Melky Cabrera and Brett Lawrie followed him up by walking, bringing Austin Jackson to the plate. Jackson came close to winning the game for the White Sox, but left fielder Craig Gentry caught Jackson’s fly ball on the warning track. 3-2 Angels win.
Escape Act
The Angels were very lucky that Austin Jackson didn’t get a little bit more of the final out, or they would have went home with a 5-3 loss today. Huston Street seemed a bit rusty, as he wasn’t as sharp as usual with his pitches.
Defensive Gem
White Sox center fielder Austin Jackson ran down a ball in deep center field off of the bat of C.J. Cron. With Johnny Giavotella on first base, he would have easily scored assuming Jackson didn’t make the play on Cron’s fly ball.
Managerial Move
This is more of a non-move by White Sox manager Robin Ventura. With Mike Scioscia at the helm of the Angels and them leading by a run in the top of the 9th, it would make sense that they would try to push across an insurance run. With a man on third base and one out, the Angels tried to squeeze once a failed. You would think a pitch out would be in order on the next pitch, however Zach Duke did not, and Carlos Perez was able to get the man in from third. That ended up being the difference in the ballgame.
Notables
Todd Frazier: 2-4, HR, RBI, R
Melky Cabrera: 1-3, HR, RBI, R
Brett Lawrie: 1-3, 2B, BB
Game Ball
Angels starter Jered Weaver dominated the White Sox as he usually does, giving up 1 ER in 7 IP. Weaver also only allowed 3 hits and 2 walks to the White Sox, as he had them off balance all game long.
On Deck
Friday 7:10 PM: Chicago White Sox (10-6) vs Texas Rangers (9-6)
Probables: Jose Quintana (1-1 2.55 ERA) vs Martin Perez (0-1 3.44 ERA)