Philip Humber sparks as Chicago White Sox defeat Minnesota Twins 2-1 in first doubleheader
Philip Humber looked like a risky choice for the Chicago White Sox as they beat the Minnesota Twins 2-1 in their first doubleheader fixture on Monday, September 5 at Target Field.
Facing a team after suffering a humiliating 18-2 defeat at the hands of the American League Central leaders, Detroit Tigers was no easy task. However Humber’s return spilled a calm effect over the team.
Manager Ozzie Guillen had been critical of his squad, the previous day, but things looked very different in the afternoon when Humber took to the mound to deliver his first game after he was sidelined on August 18. The hurler returned from injury that took
place two weeks ago.
The starter was sidelined from active duty when he was hit above his right eye with a line drive. Returning from a horrific accident can be destabilising but the star pulled up his socks as he delivered a cool and calm victory to the White Sox. The hurler
tossed seven scoreless innings before he was replaced on the mound by relief pitcher, Matt Thornton.
The White Sox scored their first run at the top of the second through Alejandro De Aza. The center-fielder grounded into a first out but his shot allowed A. J. Pierzynski to run home from third base. The star player was able to secure a one run lead, early
on. Alexei Ramirez then converted a double in the top third for run through Juan Pierre. With a two run lead, Humber was asked to defend the 2-0 score line.
"It feels like it's been a year since I had a win," Humber said. "The guys did a great job getting those runs early, and I just kind of got a lot of ground balls. It was a great feeling to have some success."
Danny Valencia scored for the Twins in the bottom ninth when Luke Hughes was called out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder, Juan Pierre. The effort however made no difference as the Minnesota squad failed to crop up another run in the game.
Humber allowed six hits in his seven innings stint. He struck out six hitters, while not giving away any walks. His ERA fell to 3.45. Hughes and Humber were colleagues in the Twins’ system and he talked positively about the hurler.
"He's developed a really good slider. He didn't have that pitch when he was with us," said Luke Hughes. "So he's kind of stepped it up a little for sure. We talked about it at lunch today. That pitch has made him successful, and he's had a great year."
Humber is a rising star in the midst and the White Sox have been doing their best to develop their talent. Humber and Zach Stewart made a good impression on the fans today. It will be interesting to see how far these two players go and what type of an impact
they can make for their team.
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