Guthrie shuts down depleted White Sox lineup
With Paul Konerko out with a mild concussion and right fielder Alex Rios on the bench with a sore back, you had a feeling the White Sox’ offense was going to be hard-pressed to score runs Wednesday night without their top two hitters.
On the other hand, Jeremy Guthrie was on the mound for the Royals, and he came into the game with a 7.71 ERA.
As the final score indicates — Kansas City won 2-1 — the Sox’ offense was really missing Konerko and Rios.
Guthrie lowered his ERA to 6.10 by pitching 8 shutout innings, and the White Sox avoided being shut out when Adam Dunn doubled off Greg Holland in the ninth and scored on A.J. Pierzynski’s single.
“(Guthrie) spotted the ball really well,” Pierzynski said. “He didn’t make a whole lot of mistakes. He kept the ball down really well, elevated it when he wanted to and had a good breaking ball.”
Tough luck:Sox starter Jose Quintana pitched well enough to get the win Wednesday, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits in 7 innings.But much like rotation mate Jake Peavy, the White Sox#146; offense is usually quiet when Quintana is on the mound.#147;This is definitely part of the game,#148; Quintana said through a translator. #147;It#146;s one of those that right now I#146;m not getting much run support, but that#146;ll change and then we#146;ll be winning a lot of games and getting a lot of run support.#147;It#146;s something that I talked to Peavy about. He was just saying as of right now it#146;s just a bit of bad luck, but that will change.#148;In 8 of Quintana#146;s 13 starts, the Sox have scored 2 or fewer runs. #147;He deserved a better fate, but we only scored 1 run,#148; A.J. Pierzynski said. #147;That#146;s not going to get it done.#148;Concern for Konerko:Paul Konerko has been diagnosed with a mild concussion, but he could be back in the lineup Friday against the Oakland Athletics.Then again, this could be a lingering problem for the White Sox#146; captain.#147;I think hopefully it#146;s just today, but the good news is we have an off-day tomorrow,#148; Adam Dunn said. #147;Giving two days to anybody is beneficial, so hopefully it#146;s not too serious.#148;A.J. Pierzynski also is hoping for the best.#147;It stinks for Paulie,#148; Pierzynski said. #147;Hopefully he#146;ll be better fast, but as soon as it gets in the head area you don#146;t want to mess with it. Hopefully he#146;ll come in Friday, say he#146;s feeling better and will be ready to go.#148;Around the horn:Hector Santiago made his second start for Class AAA Charlotte on Wednesday and pitched 5 scoreless innings. The Sox#146; closer to open the season, Santiago has made 2 starts for Charlotte and pitched 8 shutout innings #133; Palatine Deputy Police Chief Brad Grossman sang the national anthem before Wednesday night#146;s game.