April 24--White Sox left-hander Chris Sale gave up two first-inning runs in the series-opener against the Royals on Thursday night at U.S. Cellular Field.
He loaded the bases on two singles and a walk before Kendrys Morales hit a two-run single for a 2-0 Royals lead.
Sale entered with a 2-0 record and a 2.25 ERA. He was facing Royals right-hander Yordano Ventura, who was 2-1 with a 4.80 ERA.
At the plate
Sox center fielder Adam Eaton led off, followed by left fielder Melky Cabrera, first baseman Jose Abreu, designated hitter Adam LaRoche, right fielder Avisail Garcia, third baseman Conor Gillaspie, shortstop Alexei Ramirez, catcher Tyler Flowers and second baseman Micah Johnson.
On the mound
The Sox bullpen has a 1.61 ERA over its last 10 games, second-best in the majors behind the Royals, who have a 0.76 ERA.
Key number
4.5 -- Number of games the Sox were behind the 11-4 Royals in the American League Central, entering Thursday.
The quote
"I'd like us to play better than we did the last time against them. Statement series, that's probably a bit much, but you want to play good baseball -- that's the statement you want to make." -- Sox manager Robin Ventura
Up next
Vs. Royals, 7:10 p.m. Friday, WGN-9.
