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CHICAGO (AP) — José Abreu homered for the first time this season, closer Liam Hendriks left the bases loaded in the ninth inning and the Chicago White Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 Saturday.
Michael Kopech threw five solid innings, and Yasmani Grandal singled away from the shift to put Chicago ahead in the sixth. Eloy Jiménez and Tim Anderson added two hits apiece for the White Sox, who have won six of seven and are off to a 6-2 start for the first time since 2016 despite several key injuries.
Wander Franco doubled for the reigning AL East champion Rays, who have lost four straight after beginning the season 3-0.
Hendriks struck out Taylor Walls in the ninth for his fourth save after intentionally walking pinch-hitter Ji-Man Choi to load the bases. Hendriks also got the save in a 3-2 win Friday night.
Kopech allowed an unearned run and a hit, struck out five and walked two in his first career appearance against the Rays. The right-hander has moved to the rotation after making 40 bullpen appearances and four starts last year, his first full major league season.
Reynaldo López (2-0) allowed a run in an inning.
Corey Kluber, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, gave up two runs and four hits in five innings. He signed an $8 million, one-year contract as a free agent with Tampa Bay.
Grandal’s single off Ryan Thompson (1-1) gave the White Sox the lead for good in the sixth. Luis Robert scored after reaching on an error.
Manuel Margot singled off López to tie it 2-2 in the top of the inning. Yandy Díaz was unable to score on an errant throw to third.
Abreu homered off Kluber for a 2-1 White Sox lead in the fourth. Anderson scored after a leadoff infield single — the first hit given up by Kluber — and advanced on Kluber’s pickoff error.
The White Sox lead the AL Central despite having pitchers Lucas Giolito and Lance Lynn, third baseman Yoan Moncada and outfielder AJ Pollock on the injured list.
Harold Ramirez’s sacrifice fly gave the Rays the lead in the first.
GONE
Randy Arozarena was ejected for the first time in his career after he tossed his bat in response to a called strikeout in the sixth.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Rays: LHP Shane McClanahan might start Monday against the Cubs in place of LHP Ryan Yarbrough (left groin tightness), manager Kevin Cash said.
White Sox: Pollock (hamstring) is about 80% and will “soon” go to Triple-A Charlotte for at-bats, manager Tony La Russa said. ... Moncada (right oblique strain) is improving but feels discomfort during certain moves, La Russa said. ... 3B Josh Harrison (sore back) returned to the lineup.
UP NEXT
RHP Vince Velasquez (0-0, 2.25 ERA) is scheduled to start for the White Sox in Sunday’s series finale. The Rays had yet to announce a starter.
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