Chicago cut it to 3-1 in the third on a walk and two singles with two out, but the White Sox left the bases loaded when Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie struck out designated hitter Adam LaRoche.
Advertisement
The Kansas City Royals needed Danny Duffy to have his best start of the season Sunday at U.S. Cellular Field, and that is just what he gave them in the Royals’ 4-1 victory against the Chicago White Sox.
The White Sox shook off a 4-2 loss in the opener to win for the 10th time in 14 games, with Danks (5-8) dominating on the mound.
Duffy (4-4) gave up rookie Tyler Saladino’s lea doff drive in the ninth for his first career homer. White Sox starters have a 2.36 ERA in their past 13 games.
“I think it was pretty evident from the last inning. Even when it’s tipping off of somebody’s glove he’s there to pick it up and make a play”.
With slugger Paul Konerko and ace Mark Buehrle, not to mention the outspoken Guillen, leading the way, the 2005 team brought home the White Sox’s first championship since 1917.
He was looking for a slider from Jennings.
In sum, these two clubs are the polar opposite of one another. Luckily he threw it. I’m glad he didn’t throw a fastball there.
Brandon Finnegan was the victor at 3-0, after he pitched two scoreless innings in the four-hour, 56-minute game.
Blanton got three outs for his first career save in his 278th major league game.
“That game took a toll on both teams bullpens, so it was really important to try to squeak this one out”, said Royals manager Ned Yost as he went through seven relievers. “The win, at the end of the day, we didn’t get it, so come back Tuesday”. Sale is pitching tomorrow, right? “Tomorrow we have another game”, Soto said.
The Chicago White Sox are set to hold another championship rally.
Closer Greg Holland gave up a pinch-hit single to Emilio Bonifacio with one out in the ninth before finishing for his 20th save. Shuck’s hit handed Holland his third blown save in 23 opportunities.
In the 10th, Cain walked and advanced on a wild pitch but was doubled off second on a flyout. (Lorenzo) Cain covers a lot of ground (in center field).
The Royals opened the game with four consecutive hits off Jose Quintana to score two runs. Hosmer struck out. K.Morales walked on four pitches, Orlando scored, A.Escobar to third, L.Cain to second. Marlon Byrd had a home run among his four hits and Joey Votto added a solo shot for the Reds. The Royals instead settled for a different kind of first, as Joe Blanton came in and retired the Sox in order (including strikeouts of Abreu and Cabrera) for his first save.
Advertisement
White Sox: GM Rick Hahn said RHP Matt Albers (fractured right pinky finger) and RHP Nate Jones, recovering from Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow, are progressing in their rehabilitation. Former manager Ozzie Guillen and former players Aaron Rowand, Geoff Blum and Brian Anderson also shared stories with season-ticket holders as part of the organization’s 10-year anniversary celebration of the team this weekend. “Our bullpen guys have been fantastic all year long”. Left hander Chris Sale opposes visiting Kansas City for the second time this season on Sunday. I said it last week before the break and I’m saying it now, the White Sox should be sellers come the trading deadline.
