MILWAUKEE -- The Chicago White Sox held on for a 4-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday to even the current series at a game each.
How it happened: Chris Sale went eight strong innings, striking out 11, for his first victory since April 18. Alexei Ramirez broke a 2-2 tie in the eighth inning with a sacrifice fly, while Jose Abreu added an insurance run in the ninth inning on an RBI single. David Robertson closed it out in the ninth inning for his sixth save, after blowing his most recent chance Sunday. The White Sox snapped a seven-game road losing streak.
What it means: Sale did his best to help the bullpen get the rest it needed. White Sox relievers have been feeling the effects of some heavy use this year, and Saturday’s doubleheader didn’t help, especially when Hector Noesi had a short outing in Game 1 after getting hit by a line drive. Robertson wasn’t himself Sunday and Zach Duke was out of sorts Monday, so Sale’s eight-inning outing was needed.
Outside the box: Sale’s 11 strikeouts gave him 19 career double-digit strikeout games. His previous high in strikeouts this season was eight, recorded on April 12 against the Minnesota Twins, which was his first outing of the season. He had eight games last season with 10 or more strikeouts, including a 2014-best 13 strikeouts Aug. 30 against the Tigers.
Off beat: During a series, and a season, where solid fielding has been a challenge, Sale helped himself with some nice glove work. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Sale reached behind his back to grab a comebacker from Ryan Braun, recording the out at first base. Afterward, Sale could be seen hiding his smile behind his glove.
Up next: The White Sox will send left-hander Jose Quintana (1-3, 5.03) to the mound Wednesday in the series finale. The Brewers will counter with right-hander Jimmy Nelson (1-3, 4.00) in the 7:10 p.m. CST start from Miller Park.
