Sox solve Greinke, top Royals 7-4 for three-game sweep

Posted May 31, 2009 11:00 pm

Mike McGraw

The White Sox wasted no time solving the great Greinke mystery.

In 2 previous starts against the Sox this sea- son, Kansas City ace Zack Greinke didn't give up a single run in 15 innings.

On Sunday, though, Scott Podsednik led off the game with a triple to the wall in left-center and scored three batters later on Jim Thome's two-out single.

The White Sox finally had put one on the board against Greinke and didn't stop there. They rallied from a 4-1 deficit to tie the score, then battered the Royals' bullpen for 3 runs in the top of the ninth to pull off a 7-4 victory at Kauffman Stadium.

"When you're down 4-1 against Greinke, most teams right now would say we won the series and be ready to pack it in and go back to Chicago," Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said after the game. "We didn't. We kept battling. That's what we've been doing lately."

The Sox (24-25) swept the three-game series against Kansas City, completed a 5-1 road trip, and are 9-3 in their last 12 games. The White Sox will open a 12-game homestand tonight against Oakland at U.S. Cellular Field.

In the top of the ninth, A.J. Pierzynski singled with one out. Then walks by Brian Anderson and Josh Fields loaded the bases. No. 9 hitter Chris Getz came through with a 2-run single off former Cubs pitcher Juan Cruz.

Fields was thrown out at third base on the play, but Getz took second and then scored on a single by Podsednik.

Podsednik, who didn't have a major-league job when the season began, went 3-for-5 with a double and a triple. Pierzynski was 3-for-4 Sunday and went 11-for-21 on the six-game road trip.

Greinke entered the game with an 8-1 record and 0.84 ERA, never giving up more than 2 earned runs in any start. That streak came to an end Sunday, even though he was given a 4-1 lead after 3 innings.

"Podsednik, if I could get him out, it would be a lot better," Greinke said. "He always does that to me."

In the fourth, Pierzynski's double set up a 2-run single by Fields. Then the Sox tied it in the fifth when Podsednik doubled and scored on Jermaine Dye's single.

Greinke ended up with no decision, but his ERA rose to 1.10 after being tagged with 3 earned runs. He struck out seven and surrendered 8 hits in 7 innings pitched.

"I think the approach at the plate that every hitter had was outstanding, facing the best in the game," Guillen said. "We took an attitude to be patient with him and make him throw a lot of pitches (114)."

White Sox starter John Danks was charged with 4 runs in 51/3 innings. Reliever Octavio Dotel came on in the sixth with a runner on third and one out and struck out Willie Bloomquist and Mitch Maier to end inning.

Matt Thornton got the win and Bobby Jenks notched his 12th save.

"The bullpen was outstanding today," Guillen added. "Danks really struggled from the beginning of the game, but he fought like a champ to give the team the best chance to be close in the game."

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen signals to the bullpen as he takes out starting pitcher John Danks. Associated Press

Mike McGraw's game tracker Greinke gets solved: After failing to score a run in 15 innings against Kansas City starter Zack Greinke earlier this season, the White Sox touched him for 4 runs on Sunday before pulling out a 7-4 victory in the ninth inning against the Royals bullpen. Just like 2005: A couple of old World Series heroes came through Sunday. Leadoff man Scott Podsednik went 3-for-5 with a double and triple, while catcher A.J. Pierzynski went 3-for-4 with a double. Eight and nine shine: No. 8 hitter Josh Fields had a 2-run single in the fourth after the Sox fell behind 4-1. No. 9 hitter Chris Getz delivered the go-ahead 2-run single in the ninth. Sox on a streak: By sweeping the Royals, the White Sox have won nine of their last 12. Kansas City has gone 5-15 after an 18-11 start. Scouting report White Sox vs. Oakland Athletics at U.S. Cellular Field TV: Comcast SportsNet today, Tuesday and Thursday; Channel 26 Wednesday Radio: WSCR 670-AM Pitching matchups: The Sox' Bartolo Colon (3-4) vs. Trevor Cahill (2-5) today at 7:11 p.m.; Gavin Floyd (3-5) vs. TBA Tuesday at 7:11 p.m.; Clayton Richard (2-0) vs. Josh Outman (2-0) Wednesday at 7:11 p.m.; Mark Buehrle (6-1) vs. Edgar Gonzalez (0-1) Thursday at 1:05 p.m. At a glance: The White Sox are flying high after a 5-1 road trip as they prepare for their longest homestand (11 games) of the season. The A's snapped a four-game losing streak Sunday, but they still have the worst record (19-29) in the AL. The Sox were 5-4 vs. Oakland last year. Next: Cleveland Indians, Friday-Sunday at U.S. Cellular Field - Scot Gregor

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.