Home cooking: Moncada stays hot in White Sox's 10-8 win over Mariners

Yoan Moncada got off to an impressive start this season, but White Sox fans had to watch it from afar.

In 5 games at Kansas City and Cleveland, Moncada batted a sizzling .450/.522/.900 with 2 home runs, 6 RBI and only 3 strikeouts in 23 plate appearances.

He also quickly moved away from a dismal 2018 season, when the switch-hitter slashed .235/.315/.400 while leading the major leagues with 217 strikeouts.

"Really nice," Sox manager Rick Renteria said of Moncada's fast start. "Everyone has talked about being concerned about him. I haven't. Everyone sees the talent he has and understands everything he's doing with the work and approach he's taking on both sides of the plate, and making the change back to third base, a position that requires more focus and being intent on being ready because the ball comes in hot on that side."

Moncada stayed hot Friday, the White Sox's first home game of the season. The crowd of 32,723 at Guaranteed Rate Field liked what they saw from the 23-year-old switch-hitter in a 10-8 win over Seattle.

In helping the Sox jump to a 6-1 lead over the Mariners, Moncada came up with the bases loaded in the first inning. Missing a grand slam by inches, he settled for a 2-run double to center field.

White Sox starter Reynaldo Lopez couldn't hold the big lead, but Moncada came through again after Seattle went in front 8-7.

With the bases loaded again in the seventh inning, Moncada delivered a 2-run single and the Sox hung on for the win.

"A lot of positives going on, and he has another year under his belt so he's maturing," Renteria said of Moncada. "It's no different for him than anybody else. Once they settle in and realize who they are, good things happen, especially when you have the skill he has."