Though it got dicey with closer Addison Reed in the 9th inning yet again, the Sox were able to end their 6-game losing skid against Kansas City on Saturday afternoon by picking up a 1-run victory in the 2nd of the 3-game series.

The game got off to a quick start for the Sox Saturday afternoon. Credit: Getty Images


The game was fueled by two things: Chris Sale’s ‘stopper’ performance and the power bats on offense. Starting with Sale, the White Sox ace went 6.0 innings tossing 1-run ball. It wasn’t Sale’s best performance but certainly was an encouraging one after some struggles of late.
You have to tip your hat to Sale, who continues to battle through an arm that you have to assume must beĀ very tired. While there are still many question marks lingering in the rotation, everything seems less worrisome when Sale and number two man Jake Peavy are going well. When you know they are going to give you a solid chance to win, it really lessens the pressure off of the other guys.
Moving to the offense, who got the team in the lead early when Dayan Viciedo launched his 20th home run year in the bottom of the first inning. Tyler Flowers added his 7th home run of the year in the 4th inning and Paul Konerko tacked on his 22nd in the 6th.
Scientists have proven that when the Sox hit home runs, they’re much more likely to win. That was indeed the case on Saturday as the White Sox evened up the series at 1 game a piece.

Gordon Beckham making the turn throw in the 2nd inning. Credit: Getty Images


Tomorrow it’s Hector Santiago against Jeremy Guthrie in the rubber match. Guthrie has been dominant overall of late, but not quite as consistently of late. Santiago is making his 2nd career major league start after he dazzled when facing the Twins in his first this past Monday.