Moncada’s RBI double in 10th lifts Sox to win
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Thanks to Yoan Moncada, the White Sox didn’t waste a strong outing by Lucas Giolito.
Moncada hit a go-ahead double in the 10th inning, lifting the Sox over the Rays 3-2 on Friday night.
Nicky Delmonico had a twoout double in the 10th off Jose Alvarado (1-4) and was replaced by pinch runner Adam Engel. Tim Anderson was intentionally walked, and Moncada hit a liner over left fielder Jake Bauers.
“This is my chance,” said Moncada, who went 1-for-5 with two strikeouts. “I have to take advantage of it. Just try to make a good swing, make contact and hit it.”
Tyler Danish (1-0) struck out Jesus Sucre with two on and two outs in the ninth, and Hector Santiago got his first save since 2012. He walked Mallex Smith leading off the bottom of the 10th, Kevin Kiermaier popped up a bunt and Matt Duffy grounded into a double play.
Danish, from nearby Brandon, Florida, made his first appearance at Tropicana Field.
“I know there was a couple people up there screaming, so it was exciting,” Danish said.
Jose Abreu homered for the Sox, who won for the ninth time in 24 games and are just 39-70. Tampa Bay is 20-5 at home since June 11.
Giolito allowed one run and two hits in seven-plus innings, holding the Rays hitless until Kiermaier singled starting the fourth.
“I think the story was Lucas keeping us in the game the whole game,” manager Rick Renteria said. “He got to 99 pitches. He gave us a great outing.”
Giolito said he might have thrown “like five strikes” during his pregame bullpen session.
“But it was one of those days where I got warmed up and I said, ‘All right, let’s see what happens,’ ” Giolito recalled.
Abreu’s 18th homer, a tworun drive in the sixth off Jaime Schultz, gave the Sox a 2-0 lead. Abreu has eight homers and 28 RBI in 28 games against the Rays.