White Sox bats come alive in 12-3 romp over Tigers
On Thursday, the White Sox's offense managed just 2 runs and 4 hits in a lopsided loss to the Tigers.
On Friday night, the Sox had 3 runs on 3 hits - in the first inning.
They pounced on Detroit starter Joey Wentz early and often, rolling to a 12-3 win at Comerica Park.
"We put great at-bats together, one through nine," first baseman Andrew Vaughn told reporters after hitting a home run and double and driving in 3 runs.
In the first inning, Vaughn had an RBI double and Yasmani Grandal followed with a 2-run single.
In addition to Vaughn, third baseman Yoan Moncada was 3-for-5 with 3 RBI, shortstop Tim Anderson was 4-for-5 with 1 RBI and 3 runs scored, and left fielder Andrew Benintendi, designated hitter Jake Burger and right fielder Clint Frazier all had 2 hits.
Not only did the White Sox erupt for 17 hits, but they had 3 triples in a game for the first time since Sept. 9, 2017, against the Giants.
Benintendi, Moncada and Frazier all tripled as the Sox (22-31) won for the sixth time in eight games. They're 5 games behind the first-place Twins in the AL Central.
Sox starting pitcher Lance Lynn appreciated all the offensive support, but he wasn't happy after pitching 6 innings and giving up 3 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits and 5 walks.
"It was a frustrating evening when you get 3 runs in the first and you load up the bases," Lynn said. "The offense scored a bunch of runs for me and played good defense. I've got to be a little bit more efficient and not walk so many people, but they bailed me out with so I was able to get through six."
Hendriks update:
In what could have been his final tuneup before rejoining the White Sox, all-star closer Liam Hendriks pitched live batting practice before Friday night's game against the Tigers.
"His numbers were really good," manager Pedro Grifol said. "Really good step in the right direction. We'll sit down and evaluate it as an organization and see what our next step is."
Coming back from Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hendriks made six relief appearances with Class AAA Charlotte on a rehab assignment, and he's thrown three times in batting practice.
Jimenez update:
On a rehab assignment with Class AA Birmingham after having an appendectomy on May 6, Eloy Jimenez played right field Friday night and was 1-for-3 with 2 RBI and 3 walks.
Jimenez is 1-for-8 in 3 games with Birmingham. He is expected to be activated Monday when the White Sox return to Guaranteed Rate Field to play the Angels.