March 29 (Game #2): Davidson, Anderson Crush KC

White Sox (0-1) @ Royals (1-0)

James Shields v Danny Duffy

The 20182019 White Sox look for their first win on another cold, rainy day. 

Stream it!: https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/2018/03/29

James Shields gifts the Royals 4 runs before recording the 1st out, which matches my memory of EVERY James Shields start for Chicago. Adam Engel hits a double in the 3rd for the team's first hit. Yoan Moncada follows that up with his second backwards K of the day. 

Then, in the top of the fourth, Danny Duffy does his best Shields impression and the White Sox bats come alive. Avisail Garcia doubles, followed by back-to-back homers by Jose Abreu and Matt Davidson. Consecutive diving catches by Alex Gordon and Alcides Escobar keep things close, but the Sox take a 5-4 lead after a Tim Anderson homer and Moncada double. 

The White Sox hold the lead for the rest of the game, with Davidson crushing an additional 2 HRs (total of 3 on the game) and Anderson hitting another. All told, 6 White Sox hits leave Kauffman Stadium, and Kansas City uses 8 different relievers.

Final Score: White Sox 14, Royals 7

Highlights: https://www.mlb.com/gameday/white-sox-vs-royals/2018/03/29/529408#,game_tab=videos,game_state=final,game=529408

Game Notes:

• In the 7th inning, with the score 8-4 in favor of Chicago, Yolmer Sanchez hits a 3-RBI single - which is something I don't think I've ever seen before.
• It took until the bottom of the 8th, but Luis Avilan finally recorded the White Sox first strikeout of a Royal hitter in the game.
• Brad Keller appeared for the 2nd-consecutive game! Amazing stamina, since he threw 7 innings in the previous 20182019 game.
• White Sox MVP: Tim Anderson. 2-4, 2 HR, 3 R, 3 RBI, 1BB. First HR tied the game, 2nd one blew it open.
• Sad trombone: James Shields. Despite recovering and having a decent next 5 innings, putting the team behind by 4 runs before recording an out is not a recipe for victory.