Sox' Jackson on other side of no-no this time
White Sox starter Edwin Jackson wasn't happy about being on the other side Tuesday night, but he had a good idea how mound opponent Francisco Liriano was feeling after pitching a no-hitter at U.S. Cellular Field in the Twins' 1-0 win.
“It's just one of those games,” said Jackson, who pitched a no-hitter for Arizona last season at Tampa Bay. “Any time a guy throws a no-hitter, what can you really say? He made his pitches when he needed to. He was great. He threw a no-hitter. Not too many words a guy can say. It's one of those tough games. Just continue to keep it pushing.”
Jackson wasn't too bad himself, pitching 8 innings and allowing 1 run on 6 hits in the cold weather.
The only mistake he paid for came in the fourth inning, when Jason Kubel drove a 1-2 pitch over the right-field fence for a solo home run.
“Tonight was one of those games where when I said one pitch can win or lose a game,” Jackson said. “It was one pitch and it was a home run. That was the game. You can't do anything but tip your cap to the pitcher who threw a no-hitter. Just one of those unfortunate situations on our end, but we'll continue to fight.”
Sale seeks help:After another ragged relief outing Monday night against the Orioles, Chris Sale had an expected film session.With pitching coach Don Cooper and Juan Nieves also on hand before Tuesday's game against the Twins, the White Sox' left-hander hopes he's discovered the flaw that's led to such a poor start.#8220;We saw some things that were different from last year and early on this year,#8221; said Sale, who has allowed 3 runs on 4 hits and 3 walks in 2 innings over his last two outings.Correcting the problem is critical, or Sale could soon find himself in the minor leagues.#8220;It's just a couple of minor things early on in my delivery that are effecting the outcome of my pitch,#8221; Sale said. #8220;I have to pinpoint those things and get right back on them.#8221;Entering spring training with a legitimate shot to win the Sox' vacant closer's job, Sale struggled during the Cactus League and hasn't been much better (2-0, 7.15 ERA in 11 games) so far this season.Selected by the White Sox with the No. 13 overall pick last June, Sale was the only member of the 2010 draft class to make it to the major leagues.And the rail-thin lefty proved he belonged, going 2-1 with a 1.93 ERA and 4 saves in as many tries.Sale said a rough start to the current season isn't going to bring him down.#8220;I'm going to do everything I can to get back to where I was and where I need to be,#8221; Sale said. #8220;This game can speed up on you in a hurry and make you think a lot of bad things. It's just a matter of keeping a level head and staying positive.#8221;