White Sox 4 - 2 Guardians
Final
  for this game

Sale makes first big league start for ChiSox in Cleveland

Apr 9, 2012 - 2:53 PM

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(Sports Network) - Chris Sale makes his anticipated debut as a starter for the White Sox this evening in the opener of a three-game series against the Cleveland Indians.

With the offseason exit of Mark Buehrle, Sale enters the rotation after making 79 relief appearances over his first two MLB seasons. He posted 12 saves and a 2.58 earned run average in that span, striking out 111 over 94 1/3 innings.

The 23-year-old lefty had pin-point control in spring training, walking only four and striking out 28. He'll face the Indians, who he has pitched against 10 times in his career while posting three saves and a 1.98 ERA.

The White Sox dropped the rubber match of their three-game series versus the Rangers over the weekend, falling 5-0 after being limited to just four hits over six innings by Texas starter Matt Harrison.

"Harrison pitched great. It's one of those nights where you just tip your hat to him," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said.

Gavin Floyd surrendered five runs -- four earned -- on five hits in 5 2/3 innings for the White Sox.

The Indians also dropped two of three over the weekend, losing their first two games against the Blue Jays in extra innings before avoiding the sweep with a 4-3 victory on Sunday.

Derek Lowe allowed two unearned runs over seven innings in his Indians debut, while Carlos Santana hit a pair of home runs. He connected on a two-run shot in the fifth after leading off the second with a solo shot.

This game was in stark contrast to the first two games of the series. Thursday's contest went 16 innings, an MLB record for an Opening Day contest, while Saturday's contest lasted 12 innings.

Taking the mound for the Indians is Josh Tomlin, who got off to a 6-1 start before finishing the season 12-7 with a 4.25 ERA in 26 outings. He still tied Justin Masterson for the team high in wins.

The 27-year-old righty has never before faced the White Sox

The White Sox won 11 of their 18 meetings with the Indians last season, going 6-3 in Cleveland. The two clubs combined for 25 runs in their first meeting last year on April 1 in Cleveland. Santana homered and drove in three runs for the Indians in a loss.






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