Danks, White Sox drop 2-0 decision to Mariners

John Danks made two costly mistakes Friday night, but don't blame the Chicago White Sox' starting pitcher for a 2-0 loss to the Mariners.

"We didn't muster any offense," manager Robin Ventura said after the Sox were shut out for the second time in their last three games. "You have to be able to put something on the board. If they score two you have to be able to score three."

Danks left two pitches up in the sixth inning and that was the difference.

Kyle Seager led off the sixth with a home run and Franklin Gutierrez homered with two outs.

"Team game," Danks (6-12) said after allowing 2 runs on 7 hits in 6 innings. "Everybody's got to do their job. There have been plenty of times where I didn't hold up my end of the bargain. It's part of it, it's frustrating. Showed up to win a ballgame and lost. It's been a disappointing day."

Mariners starter Taijuan Walker allowed only 3 hits over 6⅓ innings before exiting with a right hip flexor cramp.

"I thought he located great," Ventura said. "He has a great fastball, but being able to locate, even when we hit it, it was at somebody. I thought his breaking stuff was good, but just locating the fastball. He has something on it, raising the eye level, getting the low strike, raising it up."

The Sox loaded the bases with one out in the seventh inning, but pinch-hitter J.B. Shuck grounded into a double play to end the rally.

"Just look for something out over the plate," Shuck said. "I got it and unfortunately hit it into the ground and right at somebody. It's unfortunate. Danks did a great job to give us a chance to win. We had a few opportunities and just couldn't get it done."

Thompson sits:

With right-hander Taijuan Walker starting for the Mariners Friday night, right-hand hitting rookie Trayce Thompson was back on the bench for the White Sox.

This is news because Thompson is batting a sizzling .519 (14-for-27) with 2 home runs and 6 RBI in 12 games with the Sox since coming up from Class AAA Charlotte.

If Thompson were to start against right-handed pitchers, Adam LaRoche would be the likely odd-man out. But LaRoche is making $12 million this season and $13 million next year, so he is going to be in the lineup.

Manager Robin Ventura said Thompson will soon get a regular chance to play with the White Sox.

"We're near that, but you also like what he does when he's going in there," Ventura said. "Platoon wise or where he's at, you like what he's doing. We will see it, it'll be there."

Thompson has no problem with his situation.

"It's not about development here," he said. "It's about winning games. That's what the minor leagues is for. I'm just here to help the team win any way I can. If I'm not in the game, if I'm not in for the best lineup on the day, then I'm not in. I'll be ready to go later in the game."