Choo's slam caps early-innings barrage in romp

CHICAGO -- Shin-Soo Choo hadn't homered in 24 games, but the one he hit Friday night ended up making a difference.
Choo's fourth career grand slam, and first since 2010, sparked a five-run third inning as the Rangers relied on an early outpouring of offense in a 12-5 victory over the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Fresh off of blowing a late two-run lead in a loss Thursday, the Rangers bounced back to tally runs in each of the first three innings to chase White Sox starter Carson Fulmer, who allowed eight runs on only three hits.
"We know our offense really runs when we make that starter work in the first inning," manager Jeff Banister said. "We were able to get some runs on the board early."
They just kept coming from there.
The Rangers needed just two hits in the third inning when they built a commanding 9-3 lead. The Rangers took advantage of Fulmer's lack of control before Choo drove an 0-2 Chris Volstad pitch into the right-field bleachers. Choo said with not being a home-run hitter, he was just looking for a pitch to make contact with.
Grand slams mean 40% off pizza
"It felt great," said Choo, whose first career grand slam came off of Josh Beckett in 2006. "Home runs always feel good, especially grand slams. Awesome."
The Rangers' offense provided starter Matt Moore with an early lead when Jurickson Profar delivered a two-run single in the first inning and Joey Gallo followed with an RBI single.

Profar drove in another run with a single in the Rangers' three-run ninth inning, which also included a Gallo two-run double.

Even with the lead, though, Moore struggled over his 3 2/3 innings when he allowed five runs (four earned), struck out five and walked three. Moore, who felt better about the way he pitched in the third and fourth innings than he did about his earlier innings, will attempt to keep focused on his job.
"In general, it's good vibes all around because we're winning the game," Moore said. "Every pitcher likes pitching with a lead."
Jesse Chavez held the White Sox in check with 2 2/3 scoreless innings to pick up the victory.

Moore, who has struggled throughout the season, will remain in the rotation for the time being, Banister said.
"We will continue to evaluate that situation," Banister said.
SOUND SMART
Friday night marked the first time the Rangers have scored in each of the first three innings since Sept. 4, 2017. Their five-run third inning marked the second-highest-scoring inning the Rangers have had this season, topped only by a six-run fourth inning against the Red Sox on May 3.

HE SAID IT
"We have talent one through nine. I know we have a lot of young players in the lineup, but they know how to play." -- Choo, on the offense bouncing back from Thursday night's disappointing loss to put up 12 runs on Friday
UP NEXT
The Rangers will call up 21-year-old right-hander Ariel Jurado from Double-A Frisco to pitch in Saturday's game, which begins at 6:10 p.m. CT. Jurado is 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA in six starts at Double-A this year and has struck out 18 and walked eight. Jurado, who has registered quality starts in his last four outings, will face right-hander Lucas Giolito.