Sox’ offense picks up its Shields
The wait was worth it for the White Sox, who evened their record to 1- 1 in a big way by clobbering the Tigers 11- 2 Thursday for their first victory after trudging through two rainouts and a loss in Rick Renteria’s first week as manager.
Behind two homers from catcher Geovany Soto, a homer and triple from designated hitter Matt Davidson and a solid start from right- hander James Shields, the Sox built a 9- 1 lead after four innings and enjoyed a laugher on a cold, windy, sunny afternoon at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Shields ( 1- 0), a careerworst 6- 19 with a 5.85 ERA between the Padres and Sox last season, worked through five walks and allowed one run — a Tyler Collins homer in the second — over 5„ in- nings. He struck out five.
“I was actually a little erratic to be honest with you,’’ Shields said, “but I kept them off balance when I could and got a few pop- ups today when we needed it. And the boys scored some runs or me.’’
With the wind blowing out at 23 mph to start the game, Shields managed to keep the ball in the park. Soto — who like Davidson did not start in the Sox’ 6- 3 season- opening loss Tuesday — got the nod against left- hander Matthew Boyd and responded with his first multihomer game since he played for the Cubs in 2011, going deep to left in the third inning and to center in the seventh against lefty Justin Wilson.
Davidson tripled off the right- field fence in the second against Boyd and hit a hanging changeup from Anibal Sanchez 428 feet to left in the fourth.
“I’m here to do anything they want me to do,’’ Soto said. “I’m here to play. I’m here to win. I’m here to work.’’
Davidson broke his foot rounding first when he was called up from Class AAA last year. His first game since will be a better memory.
“There will be a lot of firsts this year,’’ he said, “traveling, getting a full season and not a call- up, so I’m just excited and ready to enjoy the ride.”
Shields tipped his cap to teammates for staying focused through the rainouts and coming ready to play.
Aside from misplayed fly balls by Avisail Garcia and Leury Garcia in the outfield, Renteria was satisfied with execution that included two double plays.
“I’m very happy that it’s in the books,’’ Renteria said of his first win.
Petricka on DL, Kahnle up
Right- hander Jake Petricka was placed on the 10- day disabled list ( retroactive to April 5) with a strained right lat and righthander Tommy Kahnle was recalled from Class AAA Charlotte.
Petricka, 28, pitched a scoreless inning in the opener Tuesday.
“After we took him out, he came in after and said he was a little sore,’’ Renteria said.
Kahnle, 27, was 0- 1 with a 2.63 ERA in 29 relief appearances last season. He pitched a scoreless ninth Thursday, striking out two.
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