White Sox at Indians
The Chicago White Sox gave up 30 runs in the previous three contests and decided to get their own bats in gear Monday while posting a 9-1 victory in the opener of a four-game road series against the American League Central-rival Cleveland Indians. The White Sox, who lost nine of 10 at Cleveland last year, look to build off the 13-hit effort and even their record on the road when they visit the Indians on Tuesday night.
Yoan Moncada snapped an eight-game RBI drought with four while Tim Anderson broke out of a mini slump with two hits and two runs batted on Monday to lead Chicago (7-8 on the road), which split a pair of games at Cleveland in early April. Lucas Giolito will try to help the White Sox win for the seventh time in 11 games when he takes the mound Tuesday and the Indians counter with fellow right-hander Jefry Rodriguez, who was acquired from Washington in the Yan Gomes deal during the offseason. Cleveland has given up 19 runs to lose the last two games after winning three of the previous four and totaled 10 hits in the series opener, but went 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position. Jake Bauers had two hits Monday and is 4-for-10 in the last three games while teammate Jose Ramirez is still struggling to find his form from the last two seasons, but has hit safely in five straight games for the Indians.
TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, STO (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (2-1, 5.32 ERA) vs. Indians RH Jefry Rodriguez (0-1, 2.13)
Giolito allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks over five innings with seven strikeouts against Boston last Thursday in his first game back from a hamstring injury. The 24-year-old California native has not recorded a quality start since his 2019 debut on March 31 when he held Kansas City to two runs over 6 2/3 innings. Ramirez is 2-for-6 with a homer and a double versus Giolito, who was 0-2 with a 7.36 ERA in two starts against Cleveland last year.
Rodriguez has given the Indians a chance to win in each of his first two starts with the team, permitting three runs on eight hits across 12 2/3 innings combined with six strikeouts. The 25-year-old Dominican Republic native was 3-3 with a 5.71 ERA over 14 appearances (eight starts) with Washington in 2018. Rodriguez, who meets the White Sox for the first time in his career, gets the opportunity after injuries to starters Mike Clevinger and Corey Kluber.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cleveland CF Leonys Martin (hamstring) missed his second straight game in the series opener, but is expected back Tuesday.
2. Chicago reinstated RHP Ryan Burr (shoulder) from the 10-day injured list and recalled OF Charlie Tilson, who went 2-for-4 on Monday.
3. The Indians pitching staff has struck out 323 batters, the most in franchise history through the first 33 games of the season.