Abreu, Moncada pummel Mariners
An unexpected start gave righthander Carson Fulmer his latest opportunity to prove he can be a fixture in the White Sox’ rotation.
Monster nights at the plate by Yoan Moncada and Jose Abreu helped Fulmer along the way.
Moncada fell a single short of the cycle, and Abreu went 4- for- 5 with two home runs, three runs scored and three RBI to lead a Sox offensive outburst in a 10- 4 pasting of the Mariners on Monday at Guaranteed Rate Field. Moncada finished 3- for- 5 with three runs scored, and Welington Castillo and Yolmer Sanchez each had two hits and an RBI for the Sox, who snapped a seven- game skid.
The Sox banged out 18 hits— including seven in a row to start the game off Mariners starter Mike Leake— en route to their second win in their last 14 games.
Miguel Gonzalez was the scheduled starter but instead was put on the 10- day disabled list with right rotator- cuff inflammation. That meant Fulmer— who was scheduled to start Tuesday— was called into duty, and hemade the most of it by going six innings and yielding two runs and three hits with a walk and three strikeouts.
“I have to give everything to the offense [ Monday night],” Fulmer said. “They were able to get off to a quick start, [ and] to have that momentum on your side is big.’’
So close
Moncada had two opportunities to hit a single and get the Sox’ first cycle since Abreu accomplished the feat last season, but the second baseman struck out in the fifth and flew out to left in the seventh.
“I’m really mad at him because he had two chances to do it, and he couldn’t,” a smiling Abreu said. “Seriously, I’m really happy for him. He’s going to havemore chances in the future. He’s going to be good.’’
Ouch
Right fielder Avisail Garcia strained his right hamstring while running out a ground ball in the second inning and left the game.
Beck back
To fill Gonzalez’s spot on the roster, the Sox purchased the contract of right- hander Chris Beck from Class AAA Charlotte. Beck picked up his first career save after allowing two runs and six hits in three innings.
With the Sox’ pitching staff in flux because of injuries and heavy use during blowouts, Beck said he’s ready for whatever role manager Rick Renteria has for him.
“Honestly, they could ask me to shine shoes here, and I’d figure out how to do it,” Beck said. “I’ll do whatever to help the team.”
Condolences
Dave Nelson, who after a 10- year playing career with the Indians, Senators, Rangers and Royals became a coach for the Sox for four seasons beginning in 1981, died Monday. Most recently a broadcaster for the Brewers, Nelson died at 73 after a long illness.
It’s a start
Carlos Rodon, who’s recovering from shoulder surgery, threw three innings ( 34 pitches) in an extended spring game in Arizona.