Puckett's Pond » Chicago White Sox

Hammer Delivers in the Clutch; Twins Sweep Sox

Brian Johnson — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:50:04 +0000

Josh Willingham’s three-run double in the seventh inning was the difference in Sunday’s 5-3 win over the White Sox. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Yet again, it was a series shortened by bad weather, but nonetheless, it was another sweep for the Minnesota Twins, who beat the Chicago White Sox, 5-3, to extend their winning streak to four games and improve their record to 8-7. Scott Diamond (6 IP, 1 ER, 5 K) was impressive en route to earning his first victory since coming off the DL on April 13, and Minnesota was able to overcome another deficit on the road to move within a 1/2 game of the division-leading Kansas City Royals in the AL Central. With the score tied 2-2 in the seventh inning, Josh Willingham (2-for-4, 3 RBI) stepped to the plate with two outs and the bases loaded; and unlike the sixth inning when he grounded into a fielder’s choice with the bags full, Hammer connected on Jesse Crain‘s first offering for a bases-clearing double to put the Twins ahead 5-2, and they would never look back. Adam Dunn broke his 0-for-31 slump and the game’s tie with a solo HR in the bottom half of the seventh, but Minnesota would hold-on to the defeat their division rivals and move above the .500 mark for the first time since April 7.

Glen Perkins (1 IP, 2 K) remained perfect in save situations, retiring the heart of Chicago’s line up in succession to notch his fifth save of the year. Although he walked twice, Joe Mauer (0-for-3) saw his 10-game hit streak come to an end, but his heroics weren’t needed, as players like Jamey Carroll (2-for-5, 2 R) and Aaron Hicks (1-for-3, 1 RBI, 1 SB) picked up the slack for the All-Star catcher, who saw his average “fall” to .375 on the young season. Gavin Floyd (6 IP, 1 ER, 6 K) pitched well for Chicago but it was not enough, and with the loss, the White Sox (7-11) dropped their third consecutive game and fell into last place in the division behind the Cleveland Indians (7-10).

The Twins now return home to prepare for their upcoming two-game, interleague series with the Miami Marlins (4-15) at Target Field. Tomorrow’s game is in question because of more wintry weather and could result in another postponement, but if Mother Nature cooperates, Kevin Correia (1-1) will look to continue his hot start against Miami’s Ricky Nolasco (0-2). First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 CST.

Twins Topple White Sox in Ten Innings

Brian Johnson — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 23:30:12 +0000

Vance Worley put in his best effort as a member of the Twins to earn a no decision on Saturday. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

On a day when the Windy City stood true to its name, the Twins braved yet another cold-weather game to beat their division rivals, 2-1, and get back to the .500 mark for the first time since April 9. Vance Worley rebounded from his dreadful outing against the Mets and threw seven strong innings; allowing only one run and striking out seven. Chicago’s lone run came off an Alejandro De Aza solo shot in the first, but after that, Vanimal and a combination of four relievers were able to blank the pale hose for the duration and secure the Twins’ third straight victory. Glen Perkins was filthy in the ninth yet again and earned his fourth save in as many opportunities.

Minnesota tied the game in the third inning when Josh Willingham singled to score Brian Dozier from second base. The Twins had another scoring opportunity in the fifth inning, when Justin Morneau stepped in with two outs and two on, but his scorching drive was snared by second baseman, Jeff Keppinger, to preserve the 1-1 tie. The south-side fans were forced to suffer in the cold a little longer when the game moved to extra innings, but it didn’t last long. Ryan Doumit doubled to lead-off the tenth, and thanks to heady base running, was able to score on an infield hit by Eduardo Escobar and subsequent fielding error by Alexei Ramirez. After that, it was lights out for Perkins in the bottom half, and the Twins now find themselves at 7-7 and only a 1/2 game back of the Royals (8-7) and Tigers (9-8) in the AL Central.

With the loss, the White Sox fell to 7-10 and have now dropped seven of their last ten. The two teams will meet again in the series finale tomorrow at 1:10 CST. Scott Diamond (0-1) makes his second start of the season for Minnesota versus Chicago’s struggling Gavin Floyd (0-3). A make-up date for Friday’s game has yet to be determined.

Previewing the AL Central: Chicago White Sox

Stuart Dickison — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:34:40 +0000

July 30, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko (14) is congratulated by designated hitter Adam Dunn (32) after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning against the Boston Red Sox at US Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day is just over a week and a half away. Over this time span, I will taking a look at how each team in the Twins’ division is looking. First up, the Chicago White Sox.

2012 Record: 85-77
Standing: Finished 2nd in the AL Central

2013 additions:

Jeff Keppinger, IF; Matt Lindstrom, RHP

Re-signed:

Dewayne Wise, OF; Jake Peavy, RHP; Gavin Floyd, RHP

Losses:

A.J. Pierzynski (Rangers), Kevin Youkilis (Yankees), Brett Myers (Indians), Francisco Liriano (Pirates).

Outlook:

The White Sox still remain a strong candidate to be a threat in the AL Central after a surprise finish at 2nd place a year ago. The rotation is one of the stronger in the Central, with Jake Peavy, Chris Sale, Gavin Floyd, John Danks and Jose Quintana. Paul Konerko and Adam Dunn will be in the middle of the lineup, always a threat for the big hit.

Who to watch for:

Chris Sale, SP

Sep 24, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (49) delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Sale signed a contract extension this year, and is a big year for him as he finished sixth in CY Young voting a year ago. He should be the ace of this staff for many years.

Tyler Flowers, C

With the departure of Pierzynski, the White Sox are giving Flowers a first crack at full time duties behind the plate. Can he produce over a whole season? If he doesn’t, look for Chicago to be in the trade market.

Adam Dunn, DH

Dunn had a great year after a mediocre 2011 season, finishing with 41 HR and 96 RBI. Will he repeat, or will he only hit 11 HR again?

Dayan Viciedo, OF

Can he improve his plate discipline after walking only 28 times in 543 PA? He has promise for the White Sox righty-heavy lineup; he smacked 25 HR in 2012.

Jesse Crain, RHP

He makes this list only because he’s a former Twin. Crain is part of a strong back end of the bullpen. He posted a 3.23 ERA in 61.1 IP through 56 games in 2012.

Can the Twins beat them?

Sure they can. I’ll argue the Twins can beat anyone in the Central, Minnesota has a promising offense. It all comes down to pitching. The White Sox should win the season series.

2013 Predicted Finish: 3rd place, AL Central