Abreu Hits Winning Single In 11th, White Sox Beat Rangers
CHICAGO (AP) — Slump-ridden Jose Abreu hit an RBI single with one out in the bottom of the 11th inning, leading the Chicago White Sox over the Texas Rangers, 4-3, on Saturday.
After Texas tied it in the ninth on Elvis Andrus' sacrifice fly off David Robertson, the White Sox went on to win for the fourth time in five games.
Dioner Navarro drew a leadoff walk in the 11th from Nick Martinez (0-1), the last of five Texas relievers. Austin Jackson was hit by a pitch and Adam Eaton walked to load the bases.
Jimmy Rollins grounded into a forceout at the plate before Abreu grounded a single to left field for the second game-ending hit of his career. He began the day with a .180 batting average and was 0 for 5 in the game before the single.
Matt Albers (1-0) pitched a scoreless inning.
Todd Frazier hit a tying home run in the Chicago eighth. He almost connected again for a game-winner in the ninth, but right fielder Nomar Mazara reached above the wall to catch Frazier's drive.
Down 2-1, the White Sox took the lead in the eighth. Frazier homered off Sam Dyson and Navarro hit a go-ahead single.
Melky Cabrera had three hits for the White Sox, including a home run. Ian Desmond homered for the Rangers.
Texas starter Colby Lewis gave up one run and six hits in six inning.
White Sox starter Carlos Rodon left with two outs in the seventh, having allowed just two hits. Andrus greeted reliever Jake Petricka with a triple for 2-1 lead.
Chicago twice left the bases loaded when Lewis retired Jackson on routine outs. Jackson entered the game with a .441 batting average (15 of 34) against Lewis in his career.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Rangers: On Friday, OF Josh Hamilton (knee soreness) had a double and two walks in four at-bats in his first appearance in extended spring training. He was expected to get 35 to 45 at-bats there. "It's about the legs and the body being ready to perform continually, not intermittently," manager Jeff Banister said. ... C Chris Gimenez (leg infection) went 2 for 5 with a double and caught for three innings in his extended spring debut.
White Sox: C Alex Avila left the game after the sixth because of tightness in his right hamstring.
UP NEXT
Texas LHP Derek Holland (2-0, 2.70) will oppose RHP Mat Latos (3-0, 0.49) in the series finale on Sunday.
Holland is 0-2 with 7.98 ERA in five games (three starts) vs. the White Sox. Latos is off to the best start in his eight-year career. He's given up one run and six hits in 18 1/3 innings.
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