White Sox Strike Early, Crumble Late In Double-Header Split With Indians

The bats broke loose for the Chicago White Sox in the opener of Monday night’s double-header at their own U.S. Cellular Field, a game which the White Sox won 7-6 thanks to a three-run homer from Brett Lawrie, and another home run from Todd Frazier. 

White Sox Strike Early, Crumble Late In Double-Header Split With Indians

Lawrie’s homer broke a tie in the fifth inning, while Frazier hit his 14th of the season. Jose Ramirez homered on the last pitch he saw in the opener and the first of the second game for Cleveland.

Then, in the second game, Rajai Davis‘ two-run homer in the fifth inning put the Indians ahead for good and Ramirez hit his second long ball of the day to lead Cleveland to a 5-1 victory.

Davis’ shot to left field off Chicago right-hander Erik Johnson (0-2) on a 3-0 fastball snapped a 1-all tie. Cleveland right-hander Cody Anderson (1-3) struck out a career-best nine over seven innings as the Indians broke a three-game losing streak.

“He was throwing all his pitches for strikes and kind of keeping us off balance,” Chicago outfielder Austin Jackson said. “We just really couldn’t get anything going.”

Johnson allowed five runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings and was optioned back to Charlotte after the game.

“Just a few pitches I wish I had back, but for the most part I’m thankful for another opportunity to help this team out the best I can,” Johnson said. “If those opportunities keep coming, I’m more than happy to keep rolling out there.”

Frazier doubled and scored on Melky Cabrera’s single in the third for the White Sox, but Anderson was dominant from there, retiring the final 13 batters he faced.

Chicago had scored 10 runs in the previous five games. Indians right-hander Mike Clevinger (0-1) gave up seven hits over five innings in his second big league start.

Mike Napoli had a solo homer and an RBI groundout in the makeup of an April 10 rainout. The White Sox (27-19) now lead the Indians (23–20) by 2 1/2 games in the AL Central.

The two will next face off again at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago on Tuesday night.

CHICAGO, IL – MAY 23: Chris Gimenez #38 of the Cleveland Indians tags out Austin Jackson #10 of the Chicago White Sox at home plate during the eighth inning in the second game of a doubleheader on May 23, 2016 at U. S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)