Carlos Quentin and Paul Konerko shine as Chicago White Sox beat Seattle Mariners 5-1 – MLB Update
Chicago White Sox out-fielder, Carlos Quentin and first baseman Paul Konerko both had a remarkable day as they hit two homers and four RBIs jointly in the White Sox 5-1 win against the Seattle Mariners at U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago on June 7.
It was the second win for the White Sox in a three-game series against the Mariners.
First inning went score-less for both sides as the batters failed to score even a single run. In the second inning, Konerko struck a one-run homer (407 feet) towards left-field to give the White Sox an initial 1-0 lead.
The Mariners’ batters did not hit scoring shots until the third inning while the White Sox extended their lead 5-0 by blasting four runs in the third. Omar Vizquel tripled to deep right-field, Brent Morel and Juan Pierre both added two runs to the White
Sox score-board.
The last two runs during the third inning were taken by Vizquel and Quentin as Vizquel completed a single run off right-field while Quentin hit a solo homer (345 feet) to left-field. The White Sox were leading 5-0 at the end of third inning. Konerko said,
“It's probably going to be until the weekend before I don't feel anything. But it definitely doesn't stop me at the plate.”
On the other hand, the Mariners scored their first run at the top of the fourth inning to reduce the lead 5-1 when Miguel Olivo hit a sacrifice fly towards left-field and Adam Kennedy posted one run. Franklin Gutierrez advanced to second base in no time.
In the last five innings, the score-card was unmoved for both sides as the pitchers controlled the runs with their fastballs.
The White Sox starter, Phil Humber outclassed the batters through his outstanding pitches as he threw just over seven solid innings with an ERA of 2.87 and permitted just one run on five hits including one earned run. He was able to strike-out five batters
and gave three walks on his 106 pitches.
Humber commented on his game plan and said, “I've always had a good breaking ball, but in years past I've had to lean on it too much. So now I have three other pitches that I can throw at any time in the count. I came into this year and I wanted to pitch
like I didn't have anything to lose.”
The White Sox manager, Ozzie Guillen was amused with the performance of Humber as he said, “The White Sox gave him an opportunity to get a shot to make the ballclub and he did it. I'm very happy about this kid. It's a very nice surprise for the White Sox.”
Felix Hernandez was too expensive as he gave five runs on eight hits in just over six innings pitches.
Tags: