Behind 6 Scoreless Innings From Latos, White Sox Roll Past Athletics 6-1
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Mat Latos gave up one hit over six shutout innings for his first win since last July, Jose Abreu hit a two-run homer and the Chicago White Sox beat the Oakland Athletics, 6-1, on Thursday to give manager Robin Ventura his 300th career win.
A free agent who struggled this spring after signing with Chicago in the offseason, Latos (1-0) was stellar in his White Sox debut while striking out two and walking one.
He retired 13 of the first 14 batters and didn't allow a baserunner until Chris Coghlan's one-out single in the fifth -- one pitch after left fielder J.B. Shuck dropped Coghlan's foul ball.
Abreu homered on a 1-1 pitch from Oakland starter Kendall Graveman in the sixth. The White Sox slugger added a sacrifice fly during Chicago's four-run ninth.
It's been a good start to the season for the White Sox, who outscored the A's 16-10 while taking three of four in the series.
Zach Duke, Matt Albers, Nate Jones and Zach Putnam combined to pitch the final three innings, completing the four-hitter for Chicago.
Dioner Navarro, Tyler Saladino and Melky Cabrera added RBI singles in the ninth.
Graveman (0-1) pitched well, too, despite being ill with flu-like symptoms earlier this week. He allowed three hits in 5 2/3 innings with four strikeouts and one walk.
Coghlan singled home Oakland's lone run in the ninth off Putnam.
TRAINER'S ROOM
White Sox: Latos had not won since July 21 with Miami and was still on the mend this spring after fighting knee injuries each of the past two years. After leaving the Marlins, he was winless in six games (five starts) for the Dodgers last year and two relief outings with the Angels. ... SS Jimmy Rollins was given a planned day off.
UP NEXT
White Sox: LHP John Danks, who starts Friday's home opener against Cleveland, needs 14 strikeouts to reach 1,100 with Chicago.
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