Abreu ends HR drought, knocks in 100th run

In his first season in the major leagues, White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu made it look so easy through the first four months of the schedule.

He was hitting home runs here, driving in runs there, and barely breaking a sweat.

But baseball is a very difficult game, no matter who you are, and Abreu's historic rookie campaign appeared to be running out of gas.

"Everybody's going through little issues of fatigue," manager Robin Ventura said after the Sox rallied to beat the Twins 7-6 in Game 2 Saturday night at U.S. Cellular Field and sweep a doubleheader. "It's a long season but in the end you know he's the guy you want to put your buck on. He continues to have great at-bats, learning how to do it, but he's also shown guys how to do it, which is great. He's a leader, that's what he is."

Give Dayan Viciedo big credit for hitting a 2-run homer with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning to end Game 2, but Abreu attracted equal attention earlier in the game.

His solo home run (No. 34) in the fifth inning was his first since Aug. 22, a span of 80 plate appearances. And Abreu also drove in his first run since Aug. 31, boosting his season total to 100.

"The thing I'm most thankful for is this organization for the opportunity to play this game at this level," Abreu said through an interpreter. "I'm happy about 100 RBI, I'm happy about 34 home runs. I'm just happy how I've been able to do this season. I'm happy my family is here with me. I'm happy for my success."

Ventura was extremely happy with Abreu's at-bat leading off the ninth inning.

With the White Sox trailing 6-5, Abreu forced Minnesota closer Glen Perkins to throw 14 pitches, fouling off eight straight at one point.

Abreu drew a walk and, one out later, Viciedo drilled a 405-foot home run to left to give the Sox their fourth straight win.

"I think that's indicative of who (Abreu) is and what he brings to the table," Ventura said. "It was a great at-bat leading off an inning. Great closer that he just keeps wearing out to where he gets a walk. Those are the kinds of things you need to do to win games. He's that type of player and it sets the tone for that inning.

"Tank (Viciedo) comes up and you're happy for him just because it's been hit and miss for him. But it's a great thing for him and everybody's happy for him. And it's a big day for us, you get two wins."