White Sox lose 3-2 to Indians on Santana's homer
CLEVELAND (AP) - Jose Quintana's lack of run support is a disappointing trend for the Chicago White Sox.
Quintana pitched into the eighth inning, but the White Sox lost 3-2 to the Cleveland Indians on Friday night when Carlos Santana hit a leadoff homer in the ninth.
Quintana has received a total of five runs of support in his last seven starts. The left-hander, who hasn't won since May 8, allowed two runs and struck out six in 7 2/3 innings.
"He's too good of a person for this to happen to," Chicago catcher Alex Avila said. "It's definitely frustrating for us."
Quintana, who owns a 5-7 record despite a 2.63 ERA that ranks fourth in the American League, isn't bothered by the lack of support. It was his 54th career no-decision, tops in the majors since 2012.
"I hope that changes. I believe that will change," he said. "I'm just here to do my job and keep the games close."
Santana connected on an 0-2 pitch from Nate Jones (2-2) for his 14th homer, stopping Cleveland's three-game losing streak.
"Just like we drew it up," Indians manager Terry Francona joked. "Obviously, emotionally we got punched in the stomach a little bit, but when you're at home you get the chance to bat last."
Jason Kipnis' RBI double in the eighth put the AL Central-leading Indians in front, but Avisail Garcia tied for the White Sox with a one-out double in the ninth against closer Cody Allen (2-3).
The White Sox are 10-24 since starting the season 23-10. Chicago is 3 1/2 games out in the Central.
"This is a tough one, especially fighting back and getting one in the ninth," manager Robin Ventura said. "Santana is dangerous. We've seen him do it before and he just got one on the barrel."
Michael Martinez started the Cleveland eighth with a single off Quintana. Rajai Davis struck out, but Kipnis' line drive to center rolled to the wall and Martinez scored.
Allen retired Alex Avila to start the ninth, but Brett Lawrie doubled and scored on Garcia's drive to the base of the wall in center.
Francisco Lindor's RBI single in the first gave Cleveland the lead before Jose Abreu's run-scoring groundout tied it in the third.
Cleveland right-hander Trevor Bauer gave up four hits in seven innings. He struck out nine and threw 115 pitches.
Right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall's misplay in the third helped Chicago tie the game. Chisenhall attempted a sliding grab of Adam Eaton's one-out line drive, but the ball skipped past him and rolled to warning track.
Eaton ended up with a triple and scored on Abreu's grounder to shortstop.
Martinez's leadoff single in the sixth snapped a stretch of 11 in a row retired by Quintana.
"He pitched a great game," Ventura said. "The one mistake to Kipnis, other than that, he was good."
COMEBACK TRAIL
First baseman Justin Morneau, who signed a one-year contract with the White Sox on June 9, is working out with the team. Ventura said it's too early to gauge when Morneau, who had surgery on his left elbow in December, will be ready to play.
"I think that's part of the plan, him getting here, getting acclimated, he's able to work out here, it's easier to get out on the field, he's around the guys, you get a better feel for everything that's going on and even the guys he's going to be playing with," Ventura said.
TRAINER'S ROOM
White Sox: OF Austin Jackson (torn meniscus in left knee) had surgery on Wednesday and will be re-examined in four weeks. Jackson was placed on the 15-day disabled list on June 10.
Indians: OF Michael Brantley (inflammation in right shoulder) isn't sure when he'll resume taking batting practice. He is on the 15-day DL for the second time this season. "It's a slow process, but all's going well so far," said Brantley, who had surgery in November.
NEXT UP
White Sox: RHP James Shields goes for Chicago on Saturday night. He has allowed 14 runs and 17 hits over seven innings in two starts since being acquired from San Diego.
Indians: RHP Danny Salazar pitches for the Indians. He has a 2.19 ERA, the lowest among AL starting pitchers.