White Sox turn on power in 5-4 win over Tampa Bay

The Chicago White Sox rank second to last in the American League in home runs, but they turn the power on from time to time.

The Sox wasted little time Saturday night, as second baseman Alen Hanson and third baseman Yolmer Sanchez led off the game with back-to-back home runs off Tampa Bay Rays starter Chris Archer, who left the game with tightness in his right forearm after throwing one pitch to Avisail Garcia, the White Sox's No. 3 hitter.

It was the first time the Sox's first two hitters of the game homered since 2005 (Ray Durham, Jose Valentin), and only the third time in franchise history.

That made a rainy night on the South Side a little more bearable, as did Garcia's 2-run shot in the seventh inning. Garcia has 14 home runs this season, a career high.

In a game delayed 1 hour, 18 minutes by rain, the Sox beat the Rays 5-4 at Guaranteed Rate Field.

“They came in handy,” obviously,” manager Rick Renteria of the White Sox's home runs. “It's nice to have guys that can put the ball in the seats.”

Carlos Rodon started for the White Sox and allowed 1 run on 2 hits and 3 walks in 4 innings. The rain hit in the bottom of the fourth, and Carson Fulmer relieved Rodon when played resumed.

Fulmer allowed 1 run in 2 innings and earned his first major-league win.

“It means a lot,” said Fulmer, who joined the Sox on Friday after making 25 starts for Class AAA Charlotte this season. “I tried to come in and keep the game where it was. It's a goal, but it was a team victory.”

Abreu update:

First baseman Jose Abreu missed his third straight game with a sore right elbow Saturday.

Abreu has been pushing to get back in the lineup, but manager Rick Renteria is being cautious with his best hitter.

“He still has a little discomfort,” Renteria said. “Compared to where he was at, obviously much improved. That's a situation now where for me, I've got to take it out of his hands and say it's much better to allow you to continue to heal and feel better. Obviously, he does feel better, but not to my satisfaction.”

Roster move:

The White Sox placed outfielder Leury Garcia (sprained right thumb) on the 10-day disabled list Saturday.

The Sox purchased Rymer Liriano's contract from Class AAA Charlotte, and he started in left field against Tampa Bay Saturday night.

In his first game in the major leagues since 2014, when he played for the San Diego Padres, Liriano was 0-for-3 with 2 strikeouts.