Naylor powers big comeback, Guardians stun White Sox in 11

Tue, May 10, 2022
MLB News (AP)

CHICAGO (AP) - Josh Naylor hit a tying grand slam with two outs in the ninth inning and a three-run homer in the 11th, powering a huge comeback that carried the Cleveland Guardians past the Chicago White Sox 12-9 on Monday night.

Naylor also had a run-scoring double in the eighth and finished with eight RBIs for the Guardians, who stunned Chicago by rallying from an 8-2 deficit in the ninth aided by two White Sox errors.

Andres Gimenez led off the inning with a homer and then doubled home a run in the 10th as the Guardians snapped Chicago's six-game winning streak. They have won eight of 10 following a seven-game skid.

It was the first multi-homer game for Naylor, back from a horrific leg injury last season. He is 10 for 17 with runners in scoring position this year.

Naylor launched his first career slam off Liam Hendriks, handing the All-Star closer his first blown save since April 8.

Naylor's go-ahead drive came off Ryan Burr and barely cleared the right-field fence. Burr (0-1) started the 11th in place of Reynaldo Lopez, who felt lower back tightness while warming up and left the game.

Emmanuel Clase (1-2) allowed a run in the 10th but earned the win. Trevor Stephan pitched a perfect 11th for his second major league save and first this season.

White Sox starter Michael Kopech allowed two hits through six innings and Chicago got three-run homers from Gavin Sheets and AJ Pollock to build a big lead. But four errors, which tied a season high set April 20 in the first game of a doubleheader, haunted the White Sox.

Sheets dropped a line drive to right field with two outs in the first that allowed the Guardians' first run to score. Chicago shortstop Tim Anderson and third baseman Yoan Moncada committed costly errors in the ninth.

The White Sox loaded the bases on three walks in the bottom of the ninth, but third baseman Jose Ramirez made a diving stop and Naylor stretched far at first base to field the throw for the final out of the inning.

Kopech lowered his ERA to 0.93, and his six innings tied a career high set Aug. 26, 2018, at Detroit.

The game marked the return of Moncada and the White Sox debut of reliever Joe Kelly. Moncada hadn't played this season because of a right oblique strain. Kelly, who was out due to a right biceps nerve injury, pitched a scoreless seventh.

PAUSE ON CUETO

White Sox RHP Johnny Cueto will make one more start at Triple-A Charlotte, general manager Rick Hahn said. RHP Vince Velasquez will start Wednesday's series finale against the Guardians.

TRANSACTIONS

Guardians: RHP Enyel De Los Santos was promoted from Triple-A Columbus. LHP Konnor Pilkington was optioned to Columbus.

White Sox: LHP Aaron Bummer (right knee strain) was placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to May 7. INF Jake Burger was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte.

TRAINER'S ROOM

White Sox OF Andrew Vaughn (right hand bruise) is making progress but is unlikely be activated from the 10-day IL when he's eligible Thursday, Hahn said. RHP Lance Lynn (right knee surgery) is more likely to return in early June.

UP NEXT

Guardians: RHP Cal Quantrill (1-1, 3.54 ERA) will face the White Sox on Tuesday night. Quantrill allowed three runs over six innings last Wednesday in a 6-5 win over the Padres.

White Sox: RHP Lucas Giolito (1-1, 3.20) gave up three runs in 5 2/3 innings last Tuesday in a 4-3 win over the White Sox.

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