Robertson blows away Twins in first save try

New closer David Robertson didn't show much in spring training, and he didn't get a chance to do much in the White Sox' first four games of the season.

On Saturday, Robertson showed why the Sox signed him to a four-year, $46 million contract in December.

In his first save opportunity, Robertson struck out the side in the ninth inning to preserve the White Sox' 5-4 decision over the Twins at U.S. Cellular Field.

"I had a lot working for me," Robertson said. "I was feeling really good. We finally had a lead and a chance to get in the win column and I wasn't going to let it slip away."

Minnesota leadoff hitter Chris Herrmann went down swinging against Robertson and Shane Robinson and Jordan Schafer took called third strikes to end the game.

"Unbelievable," Sox starter Jeff Samardzija said of Robertson, who had 39 saves in 44 tries with the Yankees last season. "He's sharp. I chalk it up as how flexible he is. He gets down that mound. His stuff is so late. His cutter moves late, his curveball moves late and as a starter, I can't think of a better thing to have than a shutdown closer."

Robertson said he was pumped up to help get White Sox their first win of the season.

"I'm here to protect the lead and finish off ballgames," Robertson said. "It's the first time we've had a lead in the ninth and I definitely had some adrenaline going. We want to give the fans reason to come out here and watch us, so I wanted to help us get the win."

Rounding into form:

Jeff Samardzija gave up 4 runs on 5 hits in the second inning of Saturday's start, but that was the extent of the damage done by the Twins.

Gutting out 7 innings while throwing 113 pitches, Samardzija allowed 4 runs on 8 hits. The 30-year-old right-hander also had 6 strikeouts and no walks.

"I understand the older you get, you start trying to figure out the finer things in your delivery and your windup and this and that, and we're right there," Samardzija said. "I'm excited. I feel great. I can't wait to get back out there. I love pitching, I love playing for this team and I'm chomping at the bit to get back out there."

Roster move:

After Saturday's game, the Sox optioned infielder Carlos Sanchez to Class AAA Charlotte.

The move opens a roster spot for Sunday, when ace starter Chris Sale comes off the disabled list and faces Minnesota.

Sanchez started against the Royals on Wednesday and was 2-for-3.