Anderson on flip: 'I knew I had to do it'
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CHICAGO -- The first walk-off home run of Tim Anderson's career, coming off a two-out, first-pitch slider from Tigers reliever Joe Jimenez, was followed by another memorable bat flip from the White Sox shortstop during Friday’s 12-11 victory at Guaranteed Rate Field.
But nothing less should be expected from the team’s energetic leader than his javelin-like toss of the lumber toward the home dugout.
“I knew I had to do it,” said a smiling Anderson. “It's different. I did it again, so I let the people know it wasn't a fluke. It was definitely a great moment.
“Yeah, I got excited, man. I actually threw a change-up [with the bat] this time.”
Anderson’s bat flip at home on April 17 against the Royals following a fourth-inning, 418-foot blast off starter Brad Keller drew recognition for more than it being the 50th home run of his career. Anderson was hit by a Keller pitch in his backside to open the bottom of the sixth, leading to a bench-clearing argument and a one-game suspension for Anderson and White Sox manager Rick Renteria.
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These bat flips have become Anderson’s celebratory signature moves. Then again, if those flips are the only focus with Anderson, people are missing a strong candidacy for April's American League Player of the Month Award.
With his four hits on Friday, Anderson posted his fifth game this season with at least three hits. He raised his average to .402 with 16 RBIs, 20 runs scored and 10 stolen bases.
For good measure, Anderson made two stellar defensive plays in the top of the ninth to thwart a potential go-ahead Detroit rally.
“It’s fun to watch obviously,” said White Sox starting pitcher Carlos Rodon, who allowed eight runs over three-plus innings in a no-decision in the series opener. “The last at-bat I was like, ‘Swing first pitch here.’ And he did. Just be aggressive. He’s going to try to get a strike out of it.”
“I want those moments. Those are the moments we prepare for,” Anderson said. “I always want to be in that moment. I've faced that guy a bunch. I knew what he was going to do to me. Obviously, I've been feeling good, and I didn't miss my pitch. I didn't miss it.”