Samardzija strikes out 7, White Sox beat Twins
MINNEAPOLIS — Jeff Samardzija struck out seven batters in seven innings for just his second win in nine starts on the road this season, and the White Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 6-2 Tuesday to snap a seven-game road losing streak away.
Geovany Soto had two RBI singles and Melky Cabrera drove in the go-ahead run on a two-out single seventh to give Samardzija (5-4) the victory, sending Twins starter Mike Pelfrey (5-4) to his first loss in seven starts at home this year.
Jose Abreu had a career-high four hits for the White Sox, who stopped another dubious slide by topping three runs for the first time in 10 games. That was their longest such run since 1976.
The time to succeed against Samardzija is in the first inning, when the right-hander has allowed 19 runs, the most in the majors, in 15 starts. Eddie Rosario added to the total with a homer, but Torii Hunter grounded into a double play with two runners on to ruin that rally.
Hunter was hit by a two-out pitch in the fourth inning, advanced on Eduardo Nunez's infield single and scored on Kurt Suzuki's double to give the Twins a 2-1 lead, but Nunez was out easily trying to score from first on sharp throws from Cabrera in left field and Alexei Ramirez at shortstop.
Suzuki had another chance, with two on and two out in the sixth, but he grounded out.
Samardzija gave up eight of his majors-most 118 hits allowed and walked one. He won for the first time in six starts since May 22, which was also against the Twins. Samardzija was 0-2 with a 6.84 ERA in his first four starts in June.
The White Sox also ended a six-game losing streak at Target Field during which they were outscored 55-14.
Pelfrey's ERA at home this season is still a sparkling 1.80. He allowed 10 hits, three runs and three walks in 6 2/3 innings, but Cabrera's sharp single on a 1-0 sinker made his night look less impressive.
Soto is 6 for 11 in his career against Pelfrey.
Abreu is batting .337 in his last 25 games.
The White Sox had more than two hits with runners in scoring position for the first time in 19 games. They went 5 for 16 in those situations in this one.
Ramirez has been slumping as badly as anyone for the White Sox, batting .170 in his last 14 games, but manager Robin Ventura said he doesn't see any fatigue.
“There are times when you do give him that day, and I don't think this is that time,” Ventura said.
White Sox pitcher Matt Albers will start a rehab assignment Wednesday with Triple-A Charlotte, one step closer to returning from a broken little finger on his right hand.
Chris Sale (6-3, 2.74 ERA) will pitch for the White Sox Wednesday in the series finale, having struck out at least 12 batters in each of his last five starts to match Pedro Martinez (1999) and Randy Johnson (1998) for the major league record. Sale is 3-1 with a 0.72 ERA in those last five turns.
Phil Hughes (5-6, 4.47 ERA) will start for the Twins, coming off his strongest appearance of the season. He beat the Cubs with eight innings and one run on two hits.