SEATTLE (AP) — Yermín Mercedes extended his early tear with three more hits, Carlos Rodon struck out nine and the Chicago White Sox held the Seattle Mariners …
SEATTLE (AP) — Yermín Mercedes extended his early tear with three more hits, Carlos Rodon struck out nine and the Chicago White Sox held the Seattle Mariners to three hits in a 6-0 victory Monday night. Mercedes is the first player since at least 1900 to total 12 hits in his first four career starts — all in the first week of this season. He also was the first player since at least 1900 to start a season 8 for 8. The 28-year-old designated hitter is up to 12 of 18. “The really good hitters don’t throw at-bats away,” White Sox manager Tony La Russa said. “If they come to bat 10 times, they give themselves a chance 10 times and they get three hits.… He does that with his talent. It’s all about what’s next.” Yasmani Grandal hit his 150th homer, driving in three runs and scoring twice to help Chicago snap a two-game skid. “Not too many people get to hit 150 homers in the big leagues,” the catcher said. “Hopefully we can get 150 more. We’ll see.” Rodon (1-0) allowed two hits over five innings in his first appearance of the season. Michael Kopech followed with five strikeouts over two innings, allowing a walk and a hit, and José Ruiz closed it out with two perfect innings. Rodon and Kopech became the first White Sox teammates to strike out at least five in the same game without giving up a run.
