Chicago, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Chris Sale tossed his first complete game of
the season as the Chicago White Sox defeated the San Diego Padres, 4-1, in the
finale of a three-game set.
Sale (5-0) fanned nine batters and allowed just one run on two hits to become
the first White Sox left-handed starter to begin a season 5-0 since Mark
Buehrle in 2009.
"I just tried to do what i always do. I tried to fill up the zone, throw
quality strikes and get as deep as I can into games," said Sale. "As a
starting pitcher, that's your job."
Paul Konerko went 2-for-3 with a double and a home run and drove in three runs
for the White Sox, who snapped a two-game skid. Tyler Flowers also homered in
the triumph.
Chase Headley provided San Diego's lone run with a homer and Tommy Medica
singled as San Diego, which was looking for its first sweep of the season, had
just two hits.
Eric Stults (2-6) was tagged for four runs on five hits with one walk and six
strikeouts over six innings in the loss.
Konerko stroked a Solo shot to left to give the White Sox an early lead in the
second.
Sale was perfect through four before Headley crushed a two-seam fastball into
the left-field seats to lead off the fifth.
"You can see why this guy is one of the best pitchers in the American League,"
said Padres manager Bud Black on Sale. "He had it working today."
The White Sox regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth when Flowers sent a
solo shot of his own past the glove of a leaping Medica and over the wall in
left.
Dayan Viciedo was safe on a force out before Alexei Ramirez took a two-out
walk in the sixth. Konerko's double down the left-field line brought in two
runs, staking the Solid navy;background-color:yellow"> White Sox to a 4-1 lead.
Game Notes
The White Sox lead the all-time series 5-4 ... Sale has allowed just two
earned runs over his last four starts ... Sale's last complete game was on
August 12, 2013 against Detroit.