Sunday, July 26, 2015
Associated Press
CLEVELAND
Chris Sale doesn’t need much help on nights he pitches. Give him a five-run lead before he even takes the mound, that’s a tough predicament for the opposition.
Sale allowed two runs in seven innings and the Chicago White Sox used their big first inning to power past the Cleveland Indians 10-3 on Saturday night.
“That was awesome,” Sale said of the White Sox’ five-run first. “It’s a good feeling sitting in there before you even throw your first pitch, you’ve got a five-spot. It was fun to watch.”
Sale (9-5) cruised after being handed the big lead. The left-hander struck out seven to regain the American League lead with 170. Sale allowed seven hits and didn’t walk a batter.
“It was a great first inning by the offense,” manager Robin Ventura said. “They come out and quick strike. You get out front, especially with Sale going. It was nice to have. He did what he usually does. He gives you pretty close to unhittable stuff.”
Jose Abreu drove in three runs, Melky Cabrera was 3 for 5 with two RBIs and Carlos Sanchez hit his first major league homer. The White Sox pounded out 16 hits and every starter had a hit.
The White Sox, who came to Cleveland with six losses in seven games, have outscored the Indians 24-4 in winning the first three games of a series that ends today. The White Sox (45-50) have moved the Indians (45-51) into last place in the AL Central.
“They’ve outplayed us in every way in this series,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “They’ve hit better than us, they’ve pitched better than us.”
Carlos Carrasco (10-8) allowed six runs in four innings. The right-hander hasn’t won since coming within one out of pitching a no-hitter against Tampa Bay on July 1.
Chicago had six hits and sent nine to the plate in the first. Abreu and Tyler Flowers each had two-run singles, while Cabrera added an RBI single.
“You can’t say enough about how much that settles you in and gives you the confidence to go out there and throw strikes,” Sale said. “Just make quality pitches and try not to let anything get too out of hand.”
Sanchez hit a solo homer in the fourth. Cabrera, who had three hits, added another RBI single in the seventh.