Morneau hits 2 HRs, White Sox fall to Twins 7-5
Justin Morneau hit late two homers, including a grand slam, and the Minnesota Twins rallied to beat the White Sox 7-5 in the first game of a day-night doubleheader on Friday.
The White Sox traded Alex Rios to Texas before the game and were headed toward their fourth straight win before things turned in the seventh inning.
Morneau’s drive off reliever Nathan Jones with two out in the seventh wiped out a 3-1 deficit. He added a solo drive in the ninth off Ramon Troncoso, making it 7-3.
Glen Perkins gave up a two-run single to Alexei Ramirez in the bottom half before striking out Adam Dunn to end the game.
Chris Colabello and Oswaldo Arcia also went deep for Minnesota and the Twins came away with the win after dropping two of three at Kansas City.
Chicago’s Paul Konerko tied Cal Ripken Jr. with his 431st home run. Alexei Ramirez went deep for the first time since April 3, making it 3-1 with a two-run drive in the fifth, and the White Sox fell after sweeping three from the New York Yankees.
John Danks was in line for his first win since July 2, but the bullpen couldn’t hold it for him.
He left to cheers after walking Clete Thomas and Pedro Florimon to start the seventh.
Matt Lindstrom struck out Brian Dozier before Donnie Veal (1-3) walked Joe Mauer to load the bases.
Then, after Nate Jones struck out Josh Willingham, Morneau drove a 1-2 pitch out to right. The grand slam was the seventh of his career and his first since July 20, 2009, at Oakland.
Gibson lasted 5 2-3 innings for Minnesota and allowed three runs and four hits, including the drives by Konerko and Ramirez. He struck out four and walked four.
Brian Duensing (5-1) struck out Blake Tekotte to end the sixth.
Jared Burton and Casey Fien each worked a scoreless inning before Perkins came in.
NOTES: White Sox LF Dayan Viciedo was scratched from the lineup for Game 1 because of discomfort in his left thumb. He also missed Tuesday’s game against the Yankees after jamming the thumb the previous day. ... The White Sox purchased the contract of LHP Charlie Leesman and recalling OF Tekotte from Charlotte. Leesman was scheduled to make his major league debut and start the nightcap. ... The Twins placed C Ryan Doumit on the seven-day disabled list because of a concussion and activated OF Josh Willingham (torn meniscus, left knee) from the 15-day DL. ... RHP Mike Pelfrey (4-9, 5.23 ERA) starts Saturday for Minnesota, with RHP Andre Rienzo (0-0, 1.38) pitching for the White Sox.