CHICAGO (AP) Chris Sale became the major leagues’ first four-game winner, allowing two hits in seven innings to lead the Chicago White Sox over the Los Angeles Angels 2-1 Wednesday.
Sale (4-0) allowed a pair of singles by Mike Trout and an unearned run. He left after hitting Kole Calhoun with a pitch leading off the eighth,
Two years ago, Sale won his first five decisions.
David Robertson got four outs for his sixth save in as many attempts, allowing Trout’s third hit and completing a fourth-hitter.
Chicago improved to 10-5. Last season, the White Sox began 10-14 and didn’t reach double digits in victories until May 26.
Tyler Saladino homered in the first off Garrett Richards (0-3), who gave up two runs – one earned – and four hits in 6 1/3 innings. The Angels have scored six runs in his four starts.
Chicago doubled its lead in the fifth when Alex Avila led off with a double and came home when Austin Jackson sacrificed and Richards threw the ball into foul territory down the right-field line for an error.
Nate Jones, who had pitched two innings in recording his first big league save Tuesday night, followed Sale and retired the next two hitters but advanced Calhoun with a wild pitch. Jonny Giavotella grounded to third baseman Todd Frazier, who bounced his throw, which first baseman Jerry Sands trapped under his right arm. First base umpire Paul Nauert called Giavotella safe, the call was upheld on video review and Frazier was given an error.
Robertson relieved and gave up a single to pinch-hitter Rafael Ortega, just past second baseman Brett Lawrie.
RELUCTANT DH
White Sox manager Robin Ventura knew how Jose Abreu would take moving from first base to designated hitter for the first time this season. But coming off Tuesday night’s game, with the first of back-to-back afternoon contests, Ventura made the decision.
“He just doesn’t like to do it, but I think he understands it,” Ventura said. “There’s a bit of a reluctance on his part.”
Abreu hit .285 with 21 homers and 75 RBIs in 498 plate appearances as a first baseman last year and .304 with nine homers and 26 RBIs in 170 plate appearances as a DH.
CHANGING OF THE ORDER
Angels manager Mike Scioscia moved left fielder Craig Gentry (.154), who didn’t play Tuesday, from his normal No. 2 spot in the order to No. 9 for the first time this season. Shortstop Andrelton Simmons (.278), who hadn’t batted higher than sixth this season, moved to the No. 2 spot.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Scioscia said LHP Andrew Heaney (strained flexor) isn’t ready to rejoin the team this weekend despite Heaney being eligible to come off the disabled list Friday. “It’s still in the process,” Scioscia said.
UP NEXT
John Danks (0-0, 7.94 ERA) of the White Sox will face Jared Weaver (1-0, 4.35) in Thursday’s finale of the four-game series. The White Sox have lost both games Danks has started this year. In his last start, Weaver became the third Angels pitcher to reach 1,500 strikeouts, joining Nolan Ryan (2,416) and Chuck Finley (2,151).
