CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox outslugged the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday for a 5-4 victory that gave them their first three-game win streak of the season.
How it happened: The White Sox delivered their offense through the long ball, but this time it came from unexpected sources. Hector Gimenez and Tyler Greene each hit their first home run in a White Sox uniform, while Conor Gillaspie added his own long ball. Jake Peavy gave up two early home runs to put the White Sox in a hole, but recovered to pitch a solid 6 2/3 innings. Closer Addison Reed gave up a run in the ninth inning, but finished it for his eighth save.
What it means: The only thing better than having the bench carry you to a victory is when the bench helps a struggling offense to carry you to the victory. Gimenez was giving Tyler Flowers the night off, while Greene was playing in place of Jeff Keppinger, who was dealing with back spasms and is day to day. Gillaspie is technically a reserve too, but has been starting ever since Gordon Beckham broke a bone in his hand earlier this month.
Outside the box: The Rays did better than most at getting to Peavy at U.S. Cellular Field. Including Friday’s outing, the White Sox’s right-hander now has a 2.38 ERA over his last 13 home starts dating back to June 1 of last season. White Sox starters have a 2.20 ERA over their last nine games, up from the 1.95 ERA they had over the last eight games before Peavy game up three runs.
Off beat: How much was the power show needed Friday? The story is best told by the numbers. Entering Friday’s game, the White Sox’s offense was 11th in the American League in slugging percentage (.380), 13th in batting average (.228), 14th in runs per game (3.38) and dead last in OPS (.657), on-base percentage (.277) and walks (45).
Up next: The White Sox will send right-hander Gavin Floyd (0-3, 4.98 ERA) to the mound against the Rays in the third game of the four-game series. Tampa Bay will counter with left-hander Matt Moore (4-0, 1.04) in the 1:10 p.m. start from U.S. Cellular Field.
