The young Chicago White Sox finally put together their offensive potential on Saturday in a convincing 11-5 win over the Kansas City Royals.
White Sox starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez was only able to go 3.2 innings, but the early explosion of offensive firepower allowed the White Sox to comfortably turn to their bullpen in the fourth inning.
Luis Robert, Eloy Jimenez, and Leury Garcia all had four hits for Chicago. Jose Abreu, Yasmani Grandal added two hits apiece and Yoan Moncada had himself a day with three hits. Needless to say, Saturday was a historic night for the White Sox, who had 21 hits on the evening.
With Eloy Jiménez and Luis Robert both tallying 4 hits tonight:
This is the 3rd time in White Sox history that 2 players age 23 or younger have had 4+ hits in the same game.
Also on:
April 8, 2014: Marcus Semien &
Avisaíl García
April 20, 1980: Harold Baines & Harry Chappas— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) August 2, 2020
Even though the Royals looked and were out of it for most of the game, they had 15 hits of their own. The biggest issue for the Royals this evening and every game so far in 2020 has been the runners left on base, which they had 13 of on Saturday.
After starter Gio Gonzalez exited, the White Sox used six relievers to maintain what was a comfortable lead for part of the evening.
The Royals closed the gap to 7-4 in the sixth inning, but a four-run ninth inning powered by Jimenez and Garcia allowed for the White Sox to rest easy in the bottom half of the frame.
Ronald Bolanos struggled as the Royals’ starter. He only lasted 1.2 innings, giving up five runs, two home runs, and two walks.
Dylan Cease will look to continue the winning ways for Chicago on Sunday against Kansas City starter Jakob Junis.
