The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Big day for Ramirez as Tribe blanks White Sox
Plesac, three relievers yield four hits; Indians take two of three in series
José Ramirez and Cesar Hernandez homered, Amed Rosario had three hits and the Indians beat the White Sox, 5-0, on May 2.
Zach Plesac and three relievers limited the White Sox to four hits as Cleveland took two of three in a series between AL Central foes that both made the playoffs last year. The Indians have won five of their last seven.
Andrew Vaughn had two hits for the White Sox, who had won seven of nine.
Ramirez hit a two-run shot — his eighth homer of the season — off Codi Heuer in a three-run seventh inning.
“He’s one of the best players in the game,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “He’s smart, he’s got the talent. He’s just a great player. I’m glad people are finally coming to realize that outside of Cleveland.”
Hernandez connected for a solo drive off Lucas Giolito to put the Indians ahead in the third. Giolito has allowed six homers in six starts.
Rosario tripled and scored on third baseman Yoán Moncada’s error when Moncada and shortstop Tim Anderson bumped into each other trying to field a popup in the fourth.
Plesac (2-3) allowed three hits and four walks while striking out six in 5 2/3 innings.
He fanned Jake Lamb with the bases loaded in the third after issuing back-toback walks and hitting José Abreu with a pitch.
“He competed like crazy,” Francona said.
Plesac also escaped trouble in the fourth when he struck out Anderson with two on. In two previous starts against Chicago, the right-hander had allowed 12 runs over 5 2/3 innings.
“I wasn’t thinking about the last two starts,” Plesac said. “I was thinking about getting this team, put them in position to win this series. It was a big game for me, a big game for us.”
Late switch
Star rookie Yermín Mercedes was scratched from the White Sox lineup after reporting late. Lamb replaced him at designated hitter. Mercedes entered May 2 second in the majors with a .395 batting average.
“I’m not upset with him,” manager Tony La Russa said.
Trainer’s room
INDIANS >> C Roberto Pérez sat out due a small, nondisplaced fracture in his ring finger. He was injured when he got crossed up by RHP James Karinchak during the team’s last visit to Chicago. Manager Terry Francona said he’s hopeful Perez will return May 3. …
Regular LF Eddie Rosario started at DH to help rest his legs, Francona said. WHITE SOX >> CF Luis Robert (strained right hip flexor) exited after beating out an infield single in the first inning. X-rays were negative, and he will be evaluated May 3. Adam Eaton replaced Robert as a pinch-runner and moved to right field, while Leury García took over in center. Chicago is already without LF Eloy Jiménez, who is expected to miss five to six months after rupturing his left pectoral tendon trying to make a leaping grab during an exhibition game March 24 against Oakland. OF Adam Engel (strained right hamstring) also is on the injured list. … RHP Dylan Cease will
start May 4 at Cincinnati instead of LHP Carlos Rodón (4-0, 0.72 ERA) to give Rodón extra rest, La Russa said. Rodón, who threw a no-hitter April 14 against Cleveland, underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019.
Up next
INDIANS >> RHP Aaron Civale (4-0, 2.94 ERA) is scheduled to start May 3 to open a four-game series at Kansas City. RHP Jakob Junis (1-1, 3.47) goes for the Royals.
WHITE SOX >> After an off day, Cease (1-0, 2.96) is expected to start May 4 to begin a two-game interleague series at Cincinnati. RHP Jeff Hoffman (2-1, 3.33) will take the mound for the Reds.