Todd Frazier Hits Grand Slam In 12th To Lift White Sox Over Rangers 8-4

When the Chicago White Sox traded for Todd Frazier from the Cincinnati Reds in December of last year, they probably imagined getting a solid middle of the lineup guy, with a .270 batting average and 25-30 home runs.  While he hasn’t been able to get his average and hits going yet so far in 2016, hitting just .194 entering last night’s game at Texas.

Frazier’s Grand Slam Powers Sox Over Rangers

Perhaps his performance in last night’s 8-4 victory over the Rangers will spark Frazier’s return to All-Star form.

The White Sox third baseman went 4-6 with two home runs and six RBIs, including a grand slam in the top of the 12th inning to the Sox an 8-4 lead.

“It felt good. It felt really good,” Frazier said. “With experience, you understand that it’s going to come around. Just glad it came today and in extra innings.”

The two home runs were Frazier’s ninth and tenth of the year, so its clear last year’s Home Run Derby champ’s power has traveled to the WIndy City, now its just about getting his average up.

The game started out resembling a pitcher’s duel, with Miguel  Gonzalez (0-0, 4.91 ERA) only giving up one run in 5.2 innings for the White Sox and Colby Lewis (2-0, 3.20) ERS allowed two earned runs in seven innings for Texas.  Gonzalez was pulled after allowing multiple baserunners following Rougned Odor hit his seventh home run of the season

The White Sox were in position for a save but closer David Robertson inherited a runner on second and blew the save when  Ian Desmond doubled in the gap, making it 3-3.  It was Robertson’s second blown save of the year.

Both teams plated a run in the ninth.  Austin Jackson successfully executed a suicide squeeze play in the final frame.  Jackson intended to be a sacrifice, but no Rangers covered first base, allowing Jackson to reach and giving Chicago the lead again.

Robertson blew his chance for a win by walking Elvis Andrus and then allowing hime to steal second,  then a single from Hanser Alberto drove home Andrus to force free baseball.

Cesar Ramos (0-2, 5.11 ERA) was charged with the loss, giving up all four runs Chicago scored  in the twelfth on Frazier’s slam.

Dan Jennings (1-0, 2.13) picked up the win after throwing a scoreless 10th and 11th innings.  He got Mitch Moreland to groundout into an inning ending double play after there were men on the corners with one out.

The second game of the series is tonight at 8:05 PM EST, with Carlos Rodon (1-4, 4.16 ERA) facing off against Derek Holland (3-2, 4.3 ERA).

Article by Nick Vigliotti