Anderson, Sale Lead White Sox in Win Over Tampa Bay

Sep 12, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson (12) hits an RBI single against the Cleveland Indians during the fourth inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson (12) hits an RBI single against the Cleveland Indians during the fourth inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Anderson was a triple shy of the cycle and Chris Sale went seven innings to pace the White Sox. Leury Garica and Melky Cabrera also homered in a 13-6 win over the Rays.

Look out baseball, the Chicago White Sox are on a four-game win streak. In a rare display of power, Tim Anderson, Melky Cabrera and Leury Garica all homered. In fact, they scored eight runs in the first three innings. Anderson had a phenomenal game, driving in three runs and coming up a triple shy of the cycle.

Chris Sale was also sharp in seven innings, allowing three runs on eight hits and the Sox crushed the visiting Tampa Bay Rays 13-6. He tied his career high with 17 wins and now has a 3.21 ERA this season.

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The White Sox got off to an early lead when Anderson singled home Adam Eaton. Melky Cabrera followed it up with a two-run home run and an early 3-0 lead. The Rays would get two runs back on a two-run single from ex-Sox short stop Alexei Ramirez. With the score now 5-2, Leury Garcia hit a three-run home run, his first of the season, to stretch the lead to 8-2. That would chase Rays’ starter Alex Cobb from the game after three innings of work.

Chris Beck threw a scoreless eighth inning and Matt Albers allowed three runs in the ninth, but the game was well in hand by then. It was concerning to see the bullpen struggle, but they still got the victory.

Tim Anderson continues to show why he’s a future star

The player of the game had to be Tim Anderson. The rookie has been showing us all season why he is going to be a future star in this league. His approach at the plate is great and he has shown he can drive the ball and hit for power.

Not only has he had many multiple hit games, Tuesday against the Rays, he came a triple shy from the cycle. On the season, Anderson is hitting .278 with eight home runs and 28 RBIs. Not bad for a guy who has only played 94 games. It’s a shame he didn’t get the starting job from the beginning. He should only get better with experience and it gives White Sox fans something to look forward too.

Next: Should White Sox Keep Avisail Garcia for Next Season?

He will definitely be a huge part of this team moving forward. Along with Carlos Rodon, Anderson is someone the White Sox can build around. It’ll be interesting to see what the front office does in the offseason. But one thing is for sure, short stop is not an area of need like it was last offseason.

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