White Sox Offense Comes Alive in 10-4 Win Over Indians

White Sox offense takes control early against Indians. South Siders win first road series of season against defending AL Champions.

Through the first seven games of their 2017 campaign, the Chicago White Sox offense had been hit and miss; averaging a little over six runs a game in their wins, and averaging just 1.5 runs in their losses. The Sox bats were looking to come alive after scoring just four runs in their past three games, and they did just that.

White Sox starter Miguel Gonzalez opposed Indians starter Josh Tomlin Thursday night. One pitcher in Gonzalez, came off a solid last start and Tomlin struggling mightily in his last, was looking to turn things around against the Sox lineup. Tomlin came into Thursday’s start with a career 2.88 ERA against the Sox and was looking to continue his dominance.

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The offensive barrage started early for the Sox. In fact, it began on the first pitch of the ballgame as shortstop Tim Anderson cleared the wall for his first home run of 2017. It did not stop there as the Sox abused Tomlin all night long. With runners on 1st and 2nd, Matt Davidson, who was getting his second start in a row at third due to Todd Frazier‘s illness, came up clutch by blasting a three run homer to right field to extend the Sox lead to 4-0. The offense continued with an Omar Narvaez single, and the Sox finished their first ups with a 5-0 lead for Gonzalez.

The Sox added to their lead in the top half of the second inning with a two run single by Avisail Garcia. Garcia, a man with a lot to prove this season, is doing it early on. He would go on to finish the night 3-for-4 pushing his season average to .452, leading the American League. Three more runs would come across to score in the eighth to give the Sox ten total runs on the night. Which would be plenty enough for Gonzalez.

Staked to an early lead, Gonzalez struggled with his command throughout the night. He was in early trouble in the bottom half of the first, escaping a bases loaded jam allowing just one run. Gonzalez would continue to mow down the Indians lineup for the next three frames.

Gonzalez entered the fifth inning holding a six run lead. As he looked to go deep in the game, despite his high pitch count, his command would evade him. After two walks, and a home run by Michael Brantley, Gonzalez was unable to record the final out of the fifht making him not eligible to win the game.

Anthony Swarzak, followed by fellow bullpen mates Dan Jennings and Tommy Kahnle were enough to get the job done. The only small blip was an eighth inning home run by Indians catcher Yan Gomes.

The 15 hits by the Sox were the most for them team in a single game so far this year, and the 10 runs scored were second most. Garcia and Davidson’s three runs batted in Thursday night both put them in the team lead with eight.

Swarzak picked up his first win in a White Sox uniform and helped the Sox win their first series of the season. The Sox now have sole possession of third place in the AL Central.

What’s Next? 

After taking two of three from the defending American League champs, the Sox head to Minnesota to face the first place Minnesota Twins. The Sox had lost two of three to Minnesota on their last homestand.

Next: White Sox Call Up Kevan Smith, Place Geovany Soto on DL

Friday’s starters will feature a Major League debut and a second career Major League start. White Sox rule 5 draft pick Dylan Covey (0-0 0.00 ERA) will make his big league debut against Adalberto Mejia (0-1 10.80) who lost his first ever Major League start to the White Sox last Saturday. The game will be featured on CSN+ at 7:10 CT.