Sox’ offense helps Johnson get first win
Erik Johnson still has some flaws, which is to be expected after just three major-league appearances.
But like every other White Sox starter, the top pitching prospect sure looked good with some run support during Monday night’s 12-1 victory over the Twins at U.S. Cellular Field.
The Sox erupted for 7 runs in the first inning, and that carried Johnson (1-2) to his first win in the big leagues.
“It’s definitely one to remember,” Johnson said after pitching 6 scoreless innings and striking out eight. “It’s the first one under your belt and now you can take a deep breath and go back to work.”
Considering he threw 112 pitches against Minnesota, Johnson has plenty of work to do.
“I think he pitched well,” manager Robin Ventura said after the White Sox (59-91) snapped a six-game losing streak. “He needs to attack the strike zone more. There are things to get better at, but overall it’s good.”
After scoring only 7 runs and hitting 1 homer during their six-game skid, the Sox set a season high for runs in a game and went deep four times. Alexei Ramirez led the attack, going 4-for-4 with a home run and 3 RBI.
Southern League champs:Class AA Birmingham beat Mobile 4-2 Sunday night in the decisive Game 5 of the Southern League championship.Behind MVP Micah Johnson, who was 2-for-4 with a home run and 2 RBI in the deciding game, the Barons won their first SL title since 2002.Marcus Semien is up with the White Sox, but the versatile infielder batted .290 with 15 home runs and 49 RBI in 105 games with Birmingham earlier and was later named Southern League MVP.Paul Konerko played three games with the Barons during a rehab assignment (back) in July, and he remembers Semien#146;s impact.#147;In my opinion, he was probably the best player on the field for both teams,#148; Konerko said. #147;He did something every night, defensively or offensively.#148;Dunn frustrated:Adam Dunn broke out of a 3-for-33 slump Monday night with a home run and walk in the Sox#146; win, but personal numbers are irrelevant to the designated hitter/first baseman.#147;It#146;s another wasted season,#148; said Dunn, who has never made it to the postseason in 13 years in the majors. #147;I could care less what happens if you don#146;t make the playoffs, and we#146;re in the same boat as we were last year. And the year before and the year before and the year before. So that#146;s how I feel.#148;Straight A#146;s:Outfielder Avisail Garcia missed his second straight game. Earlier Monday, Garcia and his wife, Anakarina, had a baby daughter, Annarella.