The White Sox’ first-inning patience set the tone for Monday’s 9-0 win.
Third baseman Miguel Vargas drew a walk after an eight-pitch at-bat, constantly fouling off pitches to stay in the at-bat. It was a change from the ninth inning of Sunday’s game when Vargas swung at a 91.8 mph cutter, resulting in a pop up and failing to advance runners on first and second base.
Vargas then advanced to second after a wild pitch by Twins starter Chris Paddack. Center fielder Luis Robert Jr. followed with similar self-restraint. After falling behind in the count 0-2, Robert Jr. battled back by showing restraint. He didn’t swing at any of Paddack’s four pitches scattered outside the zone.
“I take pride in being a leadoff hitter,” said Vargas, who drew two walks and had one hit. “I’m just trying to make the pitcher throw strikes and have the guys behind me be in a good spot.”
First baseman Andrew Vaughn, struggling at the plate until Sunday’s ninth-inning double, cleared the bases with a three-run homer to left field. The homer will get the attention because it’s the flashy play, but the game-changing hit is only possible because of Vargas and Robert Jr. having long, patient at-bats.
“Great job by those guys and really from the first at-bat with Vargas really grinding that at-bat,” manager Will Venable said. “Obviously ended up in a base hit and set the tone for us.”
Vasil debut
Despite the frigid temperatures at Rate Field, reliever Mike Vasil didn’t feel a thing as he ran to the mound to make his MLB debut after four minor-league seasons.
There’s already adrenaline and excitement flowing when a player makes his debut. But Vasil’s debut was heightened as he entered with the White Sox still holding a no-hitter thanks to six scoreless innings by veteran starter Martin Perez. The no-hitter ended in the seventh when shortstop Willi Castro knocked a single to right field.
But Vasil said he didn’t try to pay attention to the looming no-hitter. Instead, Vasil took a couple of deep breaths and tried to focus on the moment. Vasil threw two scoreless innings, capping it with his first career strikeout with a two-seam fastball up in the zone.
“To throw that [pitch], to not baby it and then get the swing and miss on the fastball up, it’s those little things that really matter,” Vasil said. “So to see it actually work, and for the first big-league strikeout, is pretty cool.”
Vasil, 25, threw two scoreless innings, allowing two hits. The Sox claimed Vasil off waivers from the Rays. When the lead ballooned to nine, he sat in the bullpen, hoping to get his opportunity.
“Once the phone rang and they told me to get going, I was like, ‘Alright, here we go,’” Vasil said.
News and notes
Venable said outfielder Mike Tauchman is progressing well in his recovery from a hamstring strain. The team announced that he and left-hander Tyler Gilbert are scheduled to start rehab in Triple-A Charlotte tomorrow.
“We want to be, one, responsible with his health and make sure that he builds up volume on his legs and can get through it and recover the right way,” Venable said of Tauchman. “And at the same time, get at-bats to be prepared. We’re going to be flexible with that, though, so it might be three-four days.”
• The Sox announced they traded left-hander Jake Eder to the Angels for cash considerations. The Sox had designated him for assignment last week.
Eder posted a 4.50 ERA at Double-A Birmingham.