Thursday, April 17, 2014
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. Red Sox at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10, CT, CSN+) in the rubber game of the three-game series and last one on the homestand. Starters: LHP Chris Sale (3-0, 2.66) for the Sox, LHP Jon Lester (1-2, 2.57) for Boston. Chris is looking to become the first White Sox starting pitcher to begin a season 4-0 since Jose Contreras (8-0) in 2006 and first to win his first four starts since Jon Garland (8) in 2005.
Sox Starting Lineup: Eaton CF, Semien 3B, Viciedo RF, Dunn DH, Konerko 1B, Ramirez SS, De Aza, LF, Flowers C, L. Garcia 2B.
Plays of the Game
Alexei Ramirez smashed a two-run homer last night in the Sox’ 14-inning, 6-4 loss to the Red Sox. By virtue of his home run, Alexei extended his hitting streak to 15 games, tying Frank Thomas (1996) for the longest streak to begin a season in franchise history…Tyler Flowers entered the game in the 10th inning and collected a pair of singles, including the RBI base hit that knotted up the score at 4-4 in the bottom of the 11th…rookie Adrian Nieto, who started the game behind the plate, collected a pair of hits for his first multi-hit game…John Danks was outstanding, earning his third straight quality start. He went six innings, allowing just one run, three hits and four walks.
Watch Flowers tie the score:
Sox Notes of Note
Prior to tonight’s game, the White Sox purchased the contract of right-handed pitcher Zach Putnam from Class AAA Charlotte and designated left-hander Donnie Veal for assignment. Putnam, 26, has gone 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA (6.0 IP) and 11 strikeouts in four relief appearances with Charlotte in 2014. He allowed just one walk and was holding opponents to a .182 (4-22) average. He pitched in 15 major-league games, all in relief, for Cleveland (2011), Colorado (2012) and the Cubs (2013). He was signed as a free agent last November...left-handers Sale, Jose Quintana and Danks are a combined 5-0 with a 2.78 ERA, 50 strikeouts and 44 hits allowed in nine starts this season…Paul Konerko is in the starting lineup tonight as the Sox face only their third lefty of the season. Paulie needs just two hits for 2.300 in his career and four total bases to to tie Thomas (3.949) for the franchise record…Last night was the first time that two Sox catchers (Nieto and Flowers) had multi-hit efforts in the same game since John Romano and J.C. Martin did it in August of 1965…Following tonight’s game the Sox embark on a seven-game road trip to Texas (3 games) and Detroit (4).
Quote of the Day
John Danks on last night’s pitching performance by infielder-outfielder Leury Garcia, who pitched the 14th inning in his initial mound appearance:
“He’s got good stuff. I want him to teach me a sinker like that. He’s got a pretty good sinker. Surely it’s weird to be out there for the first time. I can only imagine having to play second base for the first time. It’s like a fish out of water, but I felt like he held his own. And like I said, I want him to teach me that sinker.”
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Rangers at Globe Life Park, Arlington, Tex. (7:05 p.m., CT, CSN) in the opener of a three-game series. RHP Felipe Paulino (0-1, 7.98) for the Sox, LHP Martin Perez (2-0, 2.70) for Texas.
Photo/Video of the Day
The man of the hour.
