Adam Dunn hammered a three-run homer in the first inning to help push the White Sox to a 6-4 win against the Boston Red Sox. This was the opener of a three-game run at U.S. Cellular Field.
Monday night’s win against the Red Sox (27-18) was a big win for the White Sox (20-23) in many ways. Allow me to lead off with the obvious; this win stopped Boston’s lefty power hurler Jon Lester from a 7-0 record, which would have made him the first left-handed starter to win his first seven decisions for Boston since Roger Moret in 1973.
Lester started the first inning retiring two batters. But after Alex Rios singled and Paul Konerko was walked, Adam Dunn blasted a shot deep in to the right field stands and drove in the early runs. It didn’t get better for Lester as De Aza, Ramirez, and Viciedo all drove in runs as well before he was taken out after the sixth inning.
Now it’s no reason to celebrate in crushing an athlete’s dreams of breaking a record; but by stopping Lester, the White Sox sent a powerful message to the rest of the American League that they’re a force to be dealt with.
The White Sox were also winning in the defense department. Did anyone see Alexei Ramirez in the second inning? His two amazing stops robbed the Red Sox of what could have been earned runs. Or what about Paul Konerko’s stretch to end the game? The boys were playing the field a lot better than what I’ve been seeing, and it was really fun to watch.
And while Lester struggled, Dylan Axelrod (2-3) shined and won his second straight start. There are rumors of Axelrod getting the boot once John Danks comes off the disabled list, but his performance tonight wasn’t anything to overlook.
So what’s the biggest win of all? This is the White Sox team I want to see on the field. These are the guys that actually get it done. This is the team that can rile up a crowd and get fans excited. The right team showed up today, and it looks like they’re ready to make up the lost ground from earlier this season.
Next game: The White Sox will send left-hander Jose Quintana (2-1, 3.97 ERA) to the mound against Boston left-hander Felix Doubront (3-1, 6.03) in the 7:10 p.m. start at U.S. Cellular Field.
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