Abreu, Chicago White Sox keep cool, coast to 20th win
All that talk about the Chicago White Sox's new and improved team chemistry making a huge difference on the field and in the standings this season?
It was on prominent display Friday night at U.S. Cellular Field.
"I always say we are a family, and we showed today that we really are a family," Jose Abreu said through an interpreter after the White Sox rolled over the Minnesota Twins 10-4.
Here is what brought the Sox (20-10) even closer together:
In the top of the eighth inning, relief pitcher Nate Jones hit the Twins' Byung Ho Park with two outs. It did not seem intentional.
With one out in the bottom of the eighth, Minnesota reliever Trevor May hit Abreu with a pitch - a 97-mph fastball in the ribs.
Usually cool and calm, Abreu immediately breathed fire, and he had some choice words for May as he took a few steps toward the mound.
That emptied both benches, but no punches were thrown and Abreu headed to first base without further incident.
Afterward, he was sorry for momentarily losing his cool.
"I want to apologize to all the people I respect," Abreu said. "I was out of character and it was something in the game. I apologize to all the people with the White Sox."
Manager Robin Ventura also lost his temper after his best hitter was drilled. After arguing with umpire Bill Miller, Ventura was ejected from the game as he drew big applause from the crowd of 23,054.
"You know, it definitely becomes a reaction to something," Ventura said. "I felt that was (intentional), and especially with (Abreu), you're always sensitive to that and you respond to that."
Abreu appreciated his manager's support.
"That showed me respect," said Abreu, who hit a solo home run in the third inning. "They respect me and I respect them, and especially Robin. I think that Robin was there to defend me and it was good."
Mat Latos was good enough to improve his season record to 5-0, but not by much. The right-hander lasted just 5 innings and allowed 4 runs on 7 hits.
"I felt really good," Latos said. "I felt really good coming out of the 'pen. In the first inning, the velocity, for some reason, just decided to show up today. I was feeling a little better and throwing a little harder. I think it was one of those days, I know it sounds stupid, I just kind of felt too good."
Latos was backed up by solid defense and a 14-hit attack.
"This is definitely a win for the offense," Latos said. "It's not something you want to do, give up four runs, but it's definitely good to have the offense that we have to come pick us up whenever we do give up that many runs. And the defense has been spectacular."