CINCINNATI — The White Sox scored 11 runs in the second inning Sunday and cruised to a 17-4 victory over the Reds for their second series win in a row.
Who needs Eloy Jimenez?
The Sox do, of course, but exploding offensively with Jimenez, who had an appendectomy on Saturday, was as uplifting as it gets for a team struggling to save its season already in May.
“We dug ourself a hole, and we’ve got to claw ourself out of it,” said manager Pedro Grifol, whose team is 12-23 but seven games behind the AL Central leading Twins.
The Sox had 18 hits, including home runs by Hanser Alberto and Gavin Sheets in the 11-run second inning. Alberto had four hits, including two doubles, and a career high four RBI and was the first player to homer against righty Graham Ashcroft in 33 innings.
The 11 runs are the most for the Sox in one inning in 16 years and third-most ever for the franchise. The Sox had 11 runs in the fifth at Kansas City on Sept. 17, 2007. They sent 14 batters to the plate in the second.
Entering batting .176 with runners in scoring position, the Sox were 8-for-13 Sunday. Andrew Vaughn had three hits including a double and triple and drove in four runs.
“We’ve homered in seven straight and in nine out of the last 10,” Grifol said. “Any time you put up a crooked number it’s a big deal.”
Michael Kopech allowed four solo homers in six innings.
Moncada close to return
Grifol didn’t rule out Yoan Moncada returning Monday when the Sox open a four-game series in Kansas City. Playing five innings in the third game of his rehab assignment for Triple-A Charlotte, Moncada was 3-for-3 with a homer, two singles and a walk.
Grifol said it would depend on how Moncada, who hasn’t played since April 9 because of a protruding disc in his lower back, felt after the game.
Hendriks allows run in rehab
Closer Liam Hendriks allowed a run on two hits in his second inning of work at Charlotte. Hendriks threw 14 pitches, nine for strikes as he works his way back after a bout with cancer. On Friday, Hendriks threw nine pitches in a perfect inning.
Eloy feeling better
Grifol said Jimenez “sounded really good” when they spoke Sunday, much improved a day after surgery.
“He was obviously in big-time pain [Saturday],” Grifol said.
The Sox’ expectation of 4-6 weeks before Jimenez returns most likely falls on the cautious side, and doctors should have a clearer picture in the next few days.
Catcher Carlos Perez was recalled from Charlotte to take Jimenez’ spot on the roster. Perez, who hit eight home runs for Charlotte, grounded out pinch hitting for DH Yasmani Grandal, who is dealing with a minor back issue and could see more DH in Jimenez’ absence.
Burger progressing
Jake Burger (Grade 1 left oblique strain) said he is running without pain and will take ground balls directly at him Monday.
“If that feels good maybe start ranging a little bit, and then after that it’s all swinging,” Burger said. “Throwing feels good, so hopefully [the IL stint] is shorter than I expected.”
