Another opposing pitcher buzzes Sox hitters
The White Sox lost to the Tigers at Comerica Park Wednesday, 9-0.
There weren't many highlights, other than the Sox at least living to play another day.
With the outcome all but assured in the eighth inning, Detroit's Ryan Perry, a rookie relief pitcher, entered the game and twice came close to hitting Alexei Ramirez in the head with a pitch.
The hard-throwing Perry also buzzed the Sox' Brent Lillibridge and continued the pattern when Josh Fields came to the plate.
Fields took exception to Perry's high inside pitch, taking a step toward the mound.
"We knew he was a young kid trying to throw very hard," Fields said. "I didn't think he was trying to hit anyone, but after about the fourth pitch near one of our heads, I just wanted to tell him to calm down a little."
In a game against Kansas City last Wednesday at U.S. Cellular Field, Royals starter Zack Greinke came close to hitting Carlos Quentin in the head. After Greinke drilled Quentin in the back during his next at-bat, the White Sox' left fielder also took a step or two toward the mound.
When Sox manager Ozzie Guillen thinks opposing pitchers are intentionally throwing at his hitters, he follows the "code" of baseball.
Sox pitchers didn't retaliate against Greinke last week, and that was the case again with the Tigers on Wednesday.
"To me, it's no big deal," Guillen told reporters after the game. "The kid (Perry) couldn't find the plate. I don't think he was throwing at anybody. He was just wild."
Detroit starter Armando Galarraga was not, beating the White Sox after pitching 61/3 strong innings.
The White Sox looked to be in good shape when Fields tripled with one out in the first inning, but Galarraga struck out Quentin and Jim Thome.
In the fifth, Paul Konerko and A.J. Pierzynski led off with consecutive singles and moved up a base on Ramirez's groundout. But Brian Anderson struck out and Brent Lillibridge flied out.
Jose Contreras started for the Sox and worked in and out of trouble through the first four innings. Placido Polanco broke the scoreless tie with a 3-run double in the fifth and the Tigers rolled from there, snapping the White Sox' three-game winning streak.
Gregor's game tracker
Today's grade: Let's go with a D. The Sox were competitive early, but they wound up squandering too many scoring chances vs. a good pitcher. The defense was also shaky (2 errors), and starter Jose Contreras ran out of steam.
Rough start: Manager Ozzie Guillen said Brian Anderson is going to dictate how much he plays. If Wednesday (0-for-2) is any indication, it won't be much.
Same old, same old: Reliever Mike MacDougal pitched 2 innings and allowed 4 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks. Can you say walking papers?
Looking ahead: The White Sox were overwhelmed by Tampa Bay last season. They should know what to expect this time around.
White Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field
TV: Comcast SportsNet Plus today; Comcast SportsNet Friday and Sunday; Channel 9 Saturday
Radio: WSCR 670-AM
Pitching matchups: The Sox' John Danks (0-0) vs. Jeff Niemann (1-0) today at 6:08 p.m.; Bartolo Colon (1-0) vs. James Shields (1-1) Friday at 6:38 p.m.; Mark Buehrle (1-0) vs. Scott Kazmir (2-0) Saturday at 6:08 p.m.; Gavin Floyd (1-1) vs. Matt Garza (1-0) Sunday at 12:38 p.m.
At a glance: This is a rematch from last season's AL division series, which the Rays won in four games. During the regular season, the White Sox were 3-4 at Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay star 3B Evan Longoria will miss tonight's game due to a death in the family. Last year's Rookie of the Year is off to a fast start, batting .441 with 5 HRs and 12 RBI in eight games.
Next: Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards, Tuesday-Thursday