Hanser Alberto led the Chicago White Sox to a 17-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, with four hits and a career-high four RBIs. The White Sox scored 11 runs in the second inning, marking the most runs for the team in a single inning in 16 years and the third-most in franchise history. The offensive outburst could be a significant boost for the White Sox, who will be without designated hitter Eloy Jimenez for up to six weeks following his appendectomy.
White Sox Win Consecutive Series
The White Sox, who came into the game batting .176 with runners in scoring position, delivered plenty of big hits against Reds pitcher Graham Ashcraft in the second inning, sending 14 batters to the plate. The victory means the White Sox have won consecutive series, although they are still seven games out of first place in the American League Central. White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said, “Our mindset from Day 1 has been just worry about tomorrow. One game at a time. We’ve dug ourselves a hole, we really did, and we have to dig ourselves out of it.”
Reds Struggle in Defeat
The Reds struggled in the game, with Ashcraft allowing eight earned runs in the second inning, eclipsing his season total of seven over five starts. It was the most runs allowed by the Reds in an inning since April 14, 2003 against the Phillies, when they allowed 13. Reds outfielder Wil Myers, who homered in the loss, said, “This is just one of those things where things happen in the game and it got out of hand pretty quickly. You just chalk it up to another day and get ready for tomorrow.”
Jimenez Update
Before the game, Grifol gave an update on Jimenez’s condition following his appendectomy. The outfielder was discharged from the hospital on Saturday night. Grifol expressed optimism, saying, “I talked to him today, and he sounded really good. When he answered the phone, he sounded like normal Eloy. He was obviously in big-time pain yesterday.” Jimenez is hitting .258 with four doubles, four home runs, and 15 RBIs. He was placed on the 10-day injured list on Sunday, and catcher Carlos Perez was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte.
The White Sox will play the Kansas City Royals on Monday, with Grifol reminding his team not to get too far ahead. “Don’t get too far ahead,” Grifol said, referring to if this victory can help turn the tide on the season. “Enjoy this one, and get ready to go play Kansas City.”
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