It’s happening White Sox fans! The White Sox won their second consecutive game last night to give them their first win streak in what feels like forever. The key to the win last night was the same as their series opener’s win: jump on the starter early. The starter for the Rays, Roberto Hernandez (formerly known as Fausto Carmona), pitched a solid game until the Rays actually got him some run support. Once he recieved that two run lead in the top of the fourth he proceeded to start giving it away by giving up a run in the bottom half of the inning, and then giving up three more the next inning, and finishing up by giving up one more in the sixth to cap off his start. Yet again the Rays bullpen was phenomenal as the two pitchers, Jamey Wright & Brandon Gomes, yet again didn’t allow a baserunner through their two innings of work.
As for the White Sox starter: Jake Peavy, he threw six and two thirds innings of wonderful baseball. He only allowed three runs which will give him a count in the quality starts column. Peavy also was able to limit his free passes as he only allowed one baserunner via the walk, and also gave up six hits. Matt Thornton relieved him to finish off the seventh inning perfectly. In the eighth Jesse Crain came in and effectively gave all White Sox fans a heart attack when he gave up two hits in inning, but was able to get out of the inning unscathed. In ninth, closer, Addison Reed, came in to try and shut the door, but ran into some trouble when he gave up a run on a Matt Joyce single. However, Reed settled down from there and shut the door on the Rays to give the Sox at least a series split.
Going to pleasant surprises of the game: Conor Gillaspie and Tyler Greene both homered in the game and seem to be making themselves at home on the South Side. It would definitely be a huge victory for new White Sox general manager Rick Hahn if these two little known pick-ups in the offseason blossomed into White Sox regulars. Gillaspie, who came over in a trade with the Giants, could easily be the third baseman of the future. While Greene, a former Houston Astros prospect, is showing the Astros why they shouldn’t have released him, and given him a chance considering he is hitting .417 at the moment. Yes, I know that is only twelve at-bats but come on, the kid has some talent and something to prove. If that isn’t our attitude here on the South Side, I dont know what is.
The next game will feature one of the Rays best starters thus far, in Matt Moore. If the current trends continue and the Sox don’t hit the Rays bullpen well, the Sox might lose this game. Especially considering Moore has been one of the mostly studly starters this year, and hasn’t given up a run in two starts.
Next Game: Matt Moore 4-0, 1.04 ERA v. Gavin Floyd 2-1, 3.20 ERA