Morning Box Score: Sale Goes Distance For Sox, Zito Beats Cubs
By Chuck Sudo in News on Jun 4, 2012 1:30PM
Chris Sale put in a performance at U.S. Cellular Field yesterday that may have topped his 15 strikeout performance in Tampa last week. The wiry southpaw, who was named American League Pitcher of the Month for May before the game, went the distance a day after the White Sox went through their bullpen and spot starter Jose Quintana in a 12-inning loss. Sale allowed five hits—one a two-run homer to Miguel Olivo—and struck out eight Mariners en route to improving his record to 7-2 on the season. Sale leads the American League with a 2.34 ERA and finished May with 4-1 record, a 1.71 ERA, 35 strikeouts and nine walks in 31 2/3 innings. Sale is the second straight White Sox starter to earn Pitcher of the Month honors; Jake Peavy won the award in April. Alex Rios was 2-for-4 with two RBI for the Sox.
Over on the West Coast Barry Zito made easy work of a Cubs lineup that simply cannot hit or get past first base when they do. Yesterday's loss marked the first time the Cubs have missed 10 straight road games since the 2000 season. Worse, they've only 13 runs against starting pitchers in their past 95 innings of play. Which is a shame because the Cubs pitching is still relatively solid. Travis Wood matched Zito well in his seven innings of work, allowing only one run and striking out seven Giants hitters.