Relievers keep M's in check, but White Sox fall

Relievers keep M's in check, but White Sox fall

April 24th, 2018

CHICAGO -- In need of an emergency starter following 's shoulder injury, the White Sox turned to journeyman right-hander Chris Volstad. The veteran gave the White Sox more than they could have asked for.
Starting just his third game since 2012, Volstad turned in 4 1/3 solid innings, allowing one run on three hits. Even though the single run proved the difference in Chicago's 1-0 loss to the Mariners, Volstad's outing has big implications for an overworked bullpen facing a five-game, four-day series this weekend in Kansas City.
"Getting wins is always nice," Volstad said. "As a pitcher though ... keeping it close, keeping the team in the game, and if the team wins, that's the ultimate goal. If I can do that and go four innings, and it's a one-run game or close and we win at the end, then I did my job."

Manager Rick Renteria said after the game he does not know who will fill that doubleheader spot against the Royals on Saturday. If Volstad starts again on regular rest, he would be lined up for Sunday's finale.
, the other long man in contention to make Tuesday's spot start, piggybacked off Volstad's success, taking over in the fifth and tossing 3 1/3 scoreless frames, allowing two hits and a walk.

"Carson [Fulmer's] start yesterday, and today Volstad and Santiago being able to eat up some innings, allows us to get [the bullpen] back on track a little bit," Renteria said. "[We're] trying to get these guys in the back end some consistent work in the types of situations we would like to instead of trying to hold us and maintain and getting us through ballgames."
White Sox batters struggled all afternoon against Seattle starter , who scattered four hits through his first six innings. managed to knock Gonzales out of the game with a leadoff double in the seventh, but the White Sox could not capitalize against the Mariners' bullpen.

"I don't know that we had a lot," Renteria said of the White Sox scoring chances. "Couple of runners late, with the double Moncada hit. We weren't able to get him over, we weren't able to score him. You have to also tip your cap to the opposition's relief, which did a very nice job."
Tuesday was the fourth time in 20 games this season that the White Sox (5-15) have been shut out, and the second in their last five contests. It was also the 11th time this year Chicago scored two runs or fewer.

MOMENT THAT MATTERED
Running out of time: One game after the Mariners ran themselves into a strange double play on the basepaths, the White Sox encountered a similar situation in the first inning. After and led off the frame with singles, Gonzales caught Anderson in a rundown trying to steal third. As Anderson tried to go back to second, Sanchez distracted the defense briefly by getting into a rundown of his own. However, the Mariners caught on quickly and tagged Anderson out near third base while Sanchez returned to first. Officially, it went down as a 1-4-5-3-6-5 caught-stealing. Unofficially, it was the White Sox best chance to score on Tuesday.

SOUND SMART
Though Volstad pitched well, he is still searching for his first win as a starter in over five years. Volstad's last win in a start game came on Sept. 10, 2012, while on the crosstown Cubs.
EJECTION SECTION
Renteria found himself in a shouting match with home-plate umpire Mike Estabrook following a called third strike to Matt Davidson that ended the sixth inning with runners at the corners. Estabrook tossed Renteria from the game after they got in each other's faces. It was Renteria's first ejection of the season.
"He had a big zone all day," Davidson said. "It's something that you don't love, but it's also our part to adjust to it as well. He's going to be calling it all day. He seemed like he was doing it for the most part for both sides." More >

MITEL REPLAY OF THE DAY
In the fourth inning, catcher hit a ground ball to the left of third baseman , who ranged over to field the ball and bobbled it but recovered and fired to first. His throw pulled off the bag, allowing Castillo to reach base safely. The Mariners challenged the call on the field, which was confirmed.

UP NEXT
takes the mound to complete this six-game homestand with a 1:10 p.m. CT first pitch against the Mariners Wednesday afternoon. Shields is 5-7 with a 4.59 ERA lifetime against Seattle. He will duel Mariners ace in the finale of the three-game series.