Danks solid in 8-2 Sox victory over Orioles
John Danks was worried early in Wednesday night's game against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards.
"I was talking to Jerry (Owens) on the bench, saying it was a good game on paper, but I didn't have a whole lot of fun," Danks said after the White Sox buried Baltimore 8-2. "After the third inning, I was sitting on something like 60 pitches. I was just hoping to get through five, but I had a couple of quick innings there."
Typically critical to a fault, Danks again refused to take any bows after another superb outing. The 24-year-old lefty had to work a little harder than he wanted early, but Danks (2-0) limited the Orioles to just 1 run on 4 hits over 7 innings.
"For sure, it's good to go out there and pitch good," Danks told reporters.
Danks gave up a pair of hits in the first inning, but he retired 19 of the final 21 batters.
In 3 starts this season, the Texan has pitched 19 innings and allowed just 2 runs, both on solo homers.
"Every day he wants to get better, and that's the result," said Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. "I think this kid is growing up a lot."
So are two other young regulars - Chris Getz and Josh Fields.
Filling the top two spots in the batting order again Wednesday, Getz and Fields combined to go 6-for-9 while scoring 4 runs and driving in 5.
"Everybody has to contribute," Guillen said. "Getz had a big day, and I was excited about Fields."
Before doubling in the second inning, Fields was in an 0-for-18 slump. He hit his first home run of the season in the seventh.
"It's good to see," Guillen said. "If you don't get a hit for a couple of days, you can get nervous."
Guillen was a little nervous after the White Sox lost to Baltimore 10-3 in the series opener on Tuesday. But they've been much more resilient since dropping three straight after winning the season opener against Kansas City Royals.
"I wanted to see how this team bounced back after (Tuesday)," Guillen said. "We've been doing that real well this year. Every time we lose a bad game, we come back and play well the next day."
Gregor's game tracker
Wednesday's grade: A. When John Danks is starting for the White Sox, expect a high mark.
Top heavy: Leadoff man Chris Getz and No. 2 hitter Josh Fields were a combined 6-for-9 with 4 runs scored and 5 RBI. Fields hit his first home run of the season.
Catching on: When Jermaine Dye's name kept coming in trade rumors during the off-season, his defense was frequently disparaged. Against the Orioles on Wednesday, the 35-year-old RF made another standout catch before crashing into the fence, his fourth of the year.
Minor matter: On a night when his brother pitched another gem, Jordan Danks started in center field and led off for Class A Winston-Salem. Danks was 3-for-4 with 2 runs and 2 RBI. He also stole a base, his third of the season. Danks is batting .286.
On tap: The Sox are set up nice tonight with Adam Eaton starting for Baltimore. In his first 2 starts this season, Eaton has pitched 8 innings and allowed 10 runs on 17 hits and 4 walks.