Rookie second baseman Nick Madrigal, Leury Garcia and Yermin Mercedes each had three hits to lead the Chicago White Sox’s offensive onslaught during a 16-4 victory over the host Minnesota Twins on Monday night.
Even with three-time All-Star Jose Abreu ruled out for the series with left ankle inflammation, the White Sox recorded season-highs in runs and hits (18) to win their ninth game in their past 11.
Madrigal hit his first career home run with a solo shot in the third inning and Danny Mendick’s grand slam in the fifth off Minnesota reliever Derek Law was part of a five-RBI game for him. The 401-foot homer broke the game open for the White Sox, who opened a six-game road trip.
The spiraling Twins lost for the 10th time in their past 12 games.
Mendick was one of only two batters in Chicago’s lineup who didn’t record two or more hits.
Twins starter J.A. Happ lasted just 3 2/3 innings and gave up six runs on seven hits, walked three and recorded only one strikeout.
Dallas Keuchel, meanwhile, delivered a quality start for Chicago, pitching seven innings and allowing three runs on seven hits with six strikeouts and no walks.
Chicago’s rotation has played a major role in the team’s hot start, entering Monday’s game with a combined 3.00 ERA.
The White Sox poured it on with another four runs in the sixth inning off reliever Shaun Anderson, highlighted by a two-run double by Garcia, who went 3 for 5 with two RBIs.
Rob Refsnyder provided the Twins with some offense, going 4 for 4 with an RBI and Josh Donaldson hit a two-run homer off Keuchel in the sixth inning.
Catcher Mitch Garver took a foul tip for the second consecutive game and was replaced in the fourth inning by Willians Astudillo. Garver was diagnosed with a right knee contusion.
Astudillo pitched the eighth inning and gave up one run on a solo home run by Mercedes (3 for 6, 3 RBIs), which came on a 3-0 pitch.
Andrew Vaughn, Tim Anderson, Yoan Moncada and Billy Hamilton each had two hits.
–Field Level Media