Blandino’s double caps Reds’ rally to 5-3 win over White Sox
CINCINNATI — Alex Blandino’s double in the eighth inning completed the Cincinnati Reds’ fourrun rally for another comeback victory Monday night, 5-3 over the Chicago White Sox.
The White Sox returned to Great American Ball Park for the first time since 2009 and let one slip away with the help of a misplay in the bottom of the eighth.
The Reds loaded the bases with one out against Chris Volstad (1-5). Adam Duvall grounded to first baseman Matt Davidson, who was indecisive. He took several steps toward first before throwing home too late to get Scooter Gennett scoring from third base.
Billy Hamilton followed with a sacrifice fly that tied it at 3, and Blandino’s pinch-hit double put the Reds in position for another comeback win. They’ve trailed in seven of their last 10 victories.
Dylan Floro (3-2) retired two in the eighth. Raisel Iglesias pitched the ninth for his 16th save in 18 chances.
Until Chicago’s bullpen melted down, James Shields was in position to get his first road win since opening day. Chicago has scored three runs or less behind him in 14 of his last 16 starts.
Scott Schebler connected on Shields’ first pitch of the game, but he allowed only three more hits while going 6 2/3 innings.
The White Sox pulled ahead 2-1 in the seventh when Yoan Moncada doubled home the tying run and came around on Yolmer Sanchez’s single. Avisail Garcia added his fifth homer in the eighth. Garcia extended his hitting streak to a career-high 12 games.
Chicago’s Jose Abreu went 0 for 3, ending his 19-game hitting streak in interleague play — one shy of Paul Konerko’s club record. Abreu fouled a ball off the inside of his left ankle in the sixth inning and left for a pinch hitter in the seventh.
The Reds acquired minor league outfielder Lorenzo Cedrola from the Red Sox in exchange for international signing bonus space.
White Sox: CF Leury Garcia was out of the lineup a day after he left a game with a jammed finger on his left hand. Manager Rick Renteria said Garcia was available to pinch-hit.