Levine: Abreu Shatters Record Book In Support Of Rookie Starter
By Bruce Levine-
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The White Sox offense, led by Jose Abreu, continues to work past the team's pitching problems.
Rookie starter Scott Carroll, 29, got the victory in his first big league game Sunday, pitching 7 1/3 strong innings and allowing one run against the Rays. The offense came up with nine runs in support of their new starter in a 9-2 win.
"I am cloud nine now," Carroll said. "I had my friends and family here to support me. I knew I was capable of it, but I could not have asked for a better showing."
Abreu has set an MLB rookie record by driving in 30 runs in the month of April. The Cuban slugger contributed four RBIs and his 10th home run against the Rays' David Price on Sunday.
Along the way, Abreu set a new team RBI record for April. The White Sox outbid several teams for the 27-year-old slugger last November, signing him to a $68-million contract. An early rookie of the year candidate, the experienced hitter may vie for numerous awards if he can keep his torrid hitting pace going.
"Yes I am surprised. This is God's gift," Abreu said through the teams translator. "I go to the field to play baseball and help the team win. I don't go looking for records, they are welcome and a nice thing."
Abreu is on a pace that would challenge the all-time record for rookie home runs set by Mark McGwire in 1987.