The White Sox’ home opener was played in much the same weather conditions that have plagued the Cubs all week in Chicago — chilly, damp weather not suited to baseball. Fortunately for the Sox, the rain held off and the only weather issue was a bit of fog hanging over the Cell.
The fog must have affected the Rays’ bats, because Sox starter Edwin Jackson struck out a career-high 13 in eight outstanding innings, allowing the Rays just four hits and a run, and the White Sox won 5-1, leaving Tampa Bay still winless on the young season at 0-6.
The Sox, meanwhile, moved two games over .500 at 4-2; Alex Rios doubled twice and drove in a pair of runs, and Juan Pierre went 3-for-5. The Sox also ran at will on Rays catcher Kelly Shoppach, stealing four bases (two by Brent Lillibridge and one each by Pierre and Alexei Ramirez). It was a base-stealer’s paradise today; ex-Cub Sam Fuld, now an outfielder for the Rays, stole three bases himself.
The Sox and Rays will continue their series tomorrow night at 7:10 p.m. CDT with John Danks facing James Shields.