Pierzynski keeps adding to career-high homers
After establishing a career high for home runs Friday, A.J. Pierzynski went deep again Saturday, his 20th of the year.
That’s the most home runs by a Sox catcher in a season since Ron Karkovice also hit 20 in 1993.
“It’s just kind of about effort level,” Pierzynski said. “People have asked me and asked me about it. It’s literally just being ready on time and effort level. Not swinging as hard. Just pitch selection, better pitches. When I’ve hit them, backspin instead of topspin.”
Pierzynski missed five straight games in late July with a strained right oblique. He said the injury actually has helped him hit home runs in four straight games.
“It’s a good thing because it keeps everything connected,” Pierzynski said. “I can’t overswing. It puts me in a good spot.”
Under protest:The White Sox should get word later this week on whether or not the Angels#146; protest of Friday night#146;s game is upheld.In the bottom of the first inning, the Sox loaded the bases with no outs against Los Angeles starter Zack Greinke.Paul Konerko grounded to Angels third baseman Alberto Callaspo, who threw home to force out Alejandro De Aza.Catcher Chris Iannetta went to first base to try to double up Konerko, but his throw pulled Albert Pujols off the bag.Angels manager Mike Scioscia came out and argued that Konerko ran inside the baseline in the last 45 feet to first base, a violation of Rule 6.05(k). Scioscia argued that Konerko should have been called out.Konerko was running inside the baseline #151; but the umpires upheld their original no call.#147;What took place, there was a play at home and the catcher came out and threw to first,#148; crew chief Dana DeMuth said. #147;(Iannetta) threw wild. Konerko going down to first was no way interfering with the play at first.#148;That should effectively pull the plug on the protest. If the Angels did get a favorable ruling, the game would be replayed from some point in the bottom of the first inning.That#146;s not likely to happen.#147;It#146;s more of a judgment call anyway,#148; said White Sox manager Robin Ventura. #147;I get what (Scioscia) was trying to say, but I don#146;t see it as affecting what happened. The guy (Iannetta) just yanked it.#147;Having playing third base, you get a lot of those fielding bunts and throwing it up the line. We#146;ll see what happens.#148;Barnum#146;s back:First baseman Keon Barnum was back playing for Advanced Rookie Bristol on Saturday night after being sidelined since June 24 with a shoulder injury.The Sox drafted Barnum in June with the 48th overall pick as compensation from the Miami Marlins for signing free-agent starter Mark Buehrle.Barnum, 19, had 3 home runs and 7 RBI in 5 games before hurting his shoulder. He was 1-for-5 with 2 strikeouts Saturday against Bluefield.