April 12--The summary
J.B. Shuck's pinch-hit single in the eighth inning Saturday at U.S. Cellular Field drove in Alexei Ramirez to give the White Sox their winning 5-4 edge. Closer David Robertson struck out the side in the ninth to preserve the team's first victory and to avoid the franchise's first 0-5 start since 1974. The Twins scored four runs in the second, but the Sox answered with two in their half of the inning.
At the plate
Adam LaRoche and Geovany Soto hit home runs, while Conor Gillaspie had three hits and an RBI.
On the mound
Samardzija was 1-1 with a 0.47 ERA in four appearances (two starts) at U.S. Cellular Field coming into the game. He gave up eight hits, struck out six, walked none and threw 113 pitches in seven innings of a no decision. Zach Duke pitched one inning of scoreless relief to earn the victory.
Key number
18 -- Samardzija's consecutive scoreless innings at U.S. Cellular Field before the Twins scored four runs in the second.
The quote I
"It's the first time we've had a lead in the ninth and I definitely had some adrenaline going. We want to give the fans reason to come out and watch us." -- Sox closer David Robertson
The quote II
"I have a whole list of cliches I could throw your way that indicate you're not worried, you're not panicked -- and panicked is a bad word to use -- but I have never not been concerned with April games." -- White Sox Executive Vice President Ken Williams.
Up next
Vs. Twins, 1:10 p.m. Sunday, CSN. Hughes (0-1, 6.00) vs. Sale (12-4, 2.17 2014).
