Five-run attack knocks out Toronto starter in first inning
After scoring 13 runs over its previous eight games combined, the White Sox offense returned to U.S. Cellular Field and teed off on well-regarded Toronto rookie Marcus Stroman. They battered him and batted around for five runs over two-thirds of an inning, and the Sox would have another five-spot in them before the night was over.
I spent the first two hours of this game at a Jason Isbell concert (spoiler: he's really good) and tuned in after all but one run of the scoring, so let's do this in bullet points:
*The Sox scored 11 runs on 17 hits, and all of them stayed in the park. Alejandro De Aza, Conor Gillaspie and Adam Dunn each had a double.
*The Sox started the fifth inning with six straight singles, leading to four runs, and Wild Pitch Offense brought the fifth run home -- and all before nobody out.
*Every Sox starter but Tyler Flowers and Gordon Beckham had at least two hits. Beckham had a single, while Flowers had a tough night, going 0-for-4 with a walk, three strikeouts and eight stranded. One of those strikeouts was yet another replay hosing, because Tim Welke said he struck out on a foul tip that even Toronto's broadcast couldn't see.
*Jose Abreu and Dunn led the team in hits (three); Abreu led the Sox in RBIs (three); Alexei Ramirez led the way in runs scored (three). De Aza did his best Adam Eaton impersonation out of the leadoff spot, going 2-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored.
*Hector Noesi chose to imitateJohn Danks, creating substantial scoring opportunities for the opponent after his offense gave him some support. After the White Sox took a 5-1 lead, the Blue Jays narrowed it to 5-4, including a two-run homer by Melky Cabrera. When they scored five in the fifth, he allowed the first three batters of the sixth to reach, giving Javy Guerra a bases-loaded, nobody-out situation to inherit.
*Lucky for Noesi, the bullpen was incredible. Guerra limited the Jays to one run, getting a double-play ball and a strikeout to end the threat. He pitched a 1-2-3 seventh, and Maikel Cleto and Daniel Webb each added scoreless, walkless innings themselves.
*Moises Sierra ran for Viciedo; after the game, it was said Viciedo was dizzy. Leury Garcia replaced Sierra in the ninth, because it was said Sierra had back problems. With 15 days left in August, consider this the groundwork for a convenient DL stint that allows Avisail Garcia to rejoin the club.
Please in add other observations as you see fit.
Record: 58-64 | Box score | Play-by-play | Highlights