White Sox erupt for 8 runs in eighth, roll over Padres
Heading into Sunday's game, the Chicago White Sox ranked dead last in the major leagues with 88 walks.
Manager Rick Renteria is seemingly on top of everything, and that included the elusive base on balls.
"I think everything is an approach thing," Renteria said. "It's a combination of making sure that they're having the at-bats they want to have and they're staying in the zone that we want to command as hitters. When they recognize pitches, I think most of it has to do with their confidence level, their trust in what they're doing.
"Walks are a consequence of the at-bat. They'll come when you're actually recognizing pitches as well as you want to and it's a byproduct of a good at-bat."
With that in mind, the White Sox had a string of great at-bats in their 9-3 interleague victory over the San Diego Padres at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Trailing 3-1 heading into the eighth inning, it looked like yet another hard-luck loss for starting pitcher Jose Quintana.
"I'm a little frustrated because I didn't get the win," Quintana said after pitching 7 innings and allowing 3 runs on 5 hits and 4 walks. "But the most important thing here is the team won."
With reliever Ryan Buchter on in relief for the Padres in the eighth inning, Yolmer Sanchez walked with one out. Jose Abreu followed with a walk. Avisail Garcia reached on an error to load the bases.
Todd Frazier drew another walk to force home Sanchez and the rally officially was on.
"I think the guys showed a lot of patience and controlled the (strike) zone," Renteria said. "We were able to take advantage of it, in a big way."
Brandon Maurer relieved Buchter and was greeted by pinch hitter Melky Cabrera's 2-run single, which put the Sox in front to stay.
"Guys battling," Frazier said. "A walk here, a couple knocks here, and away we go. Everybody just battling their butt off, taking really good at-bats and waiting for their pitch. It was a lot of fun."
It was so fun that Frazier scored from third base after he tagged up on Tyler Saladino's bunt attempt that was popped out to San Diego first baseman Wil Myers. When Myers was slow to get the ball back to Maurer, Frazier took off.
"You just read what's going on, and you take a chance," Frazier said. "I thought it was a good chance to take there. It worked out perfect."
The White Sox sent 14 hitters to the plate in the eighth and erupted for 8 runs on 4 hits, 5 walks, an error and a hit batter.
"I think a hitter usually goes up there wanting to strike the ball, and strike the ball well," Renteria said. "But I think they recognized that young man (Buchter) was in a little bit of trouble. That patience showed with them allowing him to continue to throw balls, and the game's telling you at this particular point, 'Let me make him throw a strike.' I think that allowed them to get deep in the counts and it ended up working out for us."
After the game, the Sox optioned Cody Asche to Class AAA Charlotte. They are expected to make a corresponding roster move before Monday's game against the Angels, with right-handed relief pitcher Juan Minaya most likely to get the call.
In 19 games, Asche batted .105 with 1 home run and 4 RBI. The left-hander struck out 21 times in 57 at-bats.
Scouting report
White Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim
TV: Comcast SportsNet Monday and Wednesday; WGN Tuesday
Radio: WLS 890-AM
Pitching matchups: The White Sox's Mike Pelfrey (0-3) vs. Jesse Chavez (2-5) Monday; Derek Holland (3-3) vs. J.C. Ramirez (3-3) Tuesday; Miguel Gonzalez (3-3) vs. Matt Shoemaker (2-2) Wednesday. All games 9:07 p.m.
At a glance: The White Sox hit the West Coast for the first time this season. They were 0-3 at Los Angeles last year and have lost 11 of their last 12 to the Angels on the road. After missing the three-game series against the Padres to attend the funeral of his close friend, Sox shortstop Tim Anderson is expected back for the Angels series. Center fielder/infielder Leury Garcia has a seven-game hitting streak.
Next: Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field, Thursday-Sunday
- Scot Gregor