Tigers storm past Samardzija, White Sox

Posted June 06, 2015 1:00 am

Scot Gregor

Heading into Sunday's start against the Tigers, White Sox starter Jeff Samardzija was trying to push past his problems in the first inning.

Samardzija had allowed 14 earned runs in 11 first innings this season.

"It just needs to get better," manager Robin Ventura said before the Sox lost to Detroit 6-4 at U.S. Cellular Field. "I don't think it's focus. They come in ready to go. I think teams are swinging early and hopefully not letting a guy settle in. That probably is the closest you can get to what it actually is, but we need to be better in the first inning, set that tone."

After getting two quick outs in the first inning Sunday, Samardzija gave up a walk and back-to-back singles as Detroit took an early 1-0 lead.

Avisail Garcia quickly put the Sox in front with a 3-run homer off Tigers starter Alfredo Simon in the bottom of the first, and Adam Eaton's RBI triple in the second made it a 4-1 game.

Unfortunately for the White Sox, Samardzija fell apart in the sixth inning, giving up a solo home run to Yoenis Cespedes and a 2-run shot to J.D. Martinez.

Samardzija (4-4) took the loss after allowing 6 runs on 10 hits in 7⅓ innings.

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