White Sox bats continue to boom in 13-8 win over Twins
The White Sox were able to withstand the loss of Eloy Jimenez in spring training. When Luis Robert also went down with a long-term injury, the offense looked to be in serious trouble.
Robert hurt his right hip in a May 2 loss to the Indians, but the Sox have forged on without two of their best players.
The starting rotation has been the best in baseball, and the torch is being passed to White Sox hitters.
"These guys are not quitters," hitting coach Frank Menechino said. "They don't lack work ethic. These guys are out there and going about it and I'll tell you what, it's been cold and some miserable days. They are doing exactly what they need to do."
Entering Wednesday night's meeting with the Twins having scored 9 runs in three straight games while winning four in a row, the White Sox's bats stayed hot in a 13-8 win at Guaranteed Rate Field.
According to MLB Stats, the White Sox have scored 9 or more runs in four straight games for the sixth time in franchise history and the first time since 2012.
"That's why you've got to like our offense with the big guys missing," manager Tony La Russa said. "I just like the whole offense. The dream of any team is every inning you go to bat you have a chance to score."
Reigning MVP Jose Abreu continued to bounce back from his slow start Wednesday with an RBI triple and 2-run single and Yasmani Grandal homered for the second straight game.
Abreu also made two outstanding defensive plays at first base.
"He's such a complete player, it's a pleasure to watch him play," La Russa said. "The way he plays defense, you have to concentrate on defense to be that good and he sets that example. That's why the fellas follow him, he gives them exactly how you're supposed to play the game."
Billy Hamilton was 4-for-4, upping his batting average from .125 to .250.
"This lineup is really, really great," said Hamilton, who came in riding an 0-for-14 slump. "Whenever I get my chance to get in there, I want to do what I can to be the best at what I'm doing."
And don't forget Andrew Vaughn, who hit his first major-league home run. In the fourth inning, the rookie left fielder lined a 2-run shot to center field.
"I was floating around," said Vaughn, who got the home run ball back and is giving it to his dad. "I felt like I was on the moon. My family has been everything to me and helped me become the person and ballplayer I am today."
Menechino sees many more homers in Vaughn's future.
"I mean, the kid played (Class) A ball, the kid played college two years ago," Menechino said. "Just being up here, relaxing, working every day, getting comfortable. The kid can do it so it's just a matter of getting back to relaxing and figuring out the league."
Dallas Keuchel started for the White Sox and allowed 6 runs in 5⅔ innings.