CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox fell behind early and it only got worse in a 17-6 defeat Tuesday to the Oakland Athletics.
How it happened: White Sox starter Jeff Samardzija gave up 10 runs on 11 hits in three-plus innings as Oakland's rout was on. Reliever Daniel Webb didn’t fare much better, recording just one out while giving up six runs (four earned). The A’s Josh Reddick drove in four runs, while Mark Canha, Eric Sogard and Billy Butler had three hits each. Max Muncy was the only Oakland starter without a hit, although he did walk and score a run. Melky Cabrera and Alexei Ramirez each hit home runs for the White Sox.
What it means: Samardzija’s brutal second half continued as he delivered his worst start in a season that has had its fair share of bad ones. The 10 runs allowed were a career high. The right-hander, who is going into free agency this upcoming offseason, has given up 51 earned runs over his last 49 2/3 innings, numbers that work out to a 9.24 ERA over that stretch. He is also 1-8 over that span, which started with his first outing in the month of August.
Outside the box: The 17 runs by the A’s were the most the White Sox have given up since the Cleveland Indians totaled 18 against them on June 28, 2013. The winning pitcher for the Indians that day was right-hander Matt Albers, who is now a member of the White Sox.
Offbeat: After a 14-inning game Monday and 17 runs through seven innings Tuesday, the White Sox elected to spare their pitching staff any more agony. Utility man Leury Garcia was called on to pitch the eighth inning and Ramirez, who started at shortstop, pitched the ninth. Neither position player gave up a run. Adam LaRoche also pitched in a game this year, delivering his own scoreless inning.
Up next: The White Sox will send right-hander Erik Johnson (1-0, 3.27 ERA) to the mound Wednesday in the third game of the four-game series. The A’s will counter with right-hander Cody Martin (0-1, 15.00) in the 8:10 p.m. ET start from U.S. Cellular Field.
