Angels Lose the Opener

The Chicago White Sox were glad to see Jason Grimsley leave the game, rallying for four runs after he was gone.

“It felt good to come through because we have been struggling lately,” said Darren Lewis, whose two-run double with two outs capped a four-run rally in the eighth inning Monday that sent the Chicago White Sox past the Angels, 4-2, in the first game of the doubleheader.

“Grimsley was very effective and we were happy to see him out of there,” Lewis said of the Angel starter who had a two-hit shutout going into the eighth.

“We got some big hits late in the game,” White Sox Manager Terry Bevington said.

The White Sox, who have won two straight games after losing eight in a row, trailed 2-0 when Dave Martinez drew a leadoff walk and Harold Baines singled, only the third hit off Grimsley. Ron Karkovice sacrificed the runners to second and third, and Grimsley was replaced by Chuck McElroy.

McElroy got Ray Durham to ground out, and the runners held. Mike James (4-3) relieved, and pinch-hitter Chad Kreuter followed with a two-run single, tying the score. Tony Phillips then doubled, setting up Lewis’ go-ahead hit.

Wilson Alvarez (9-4) gave up two runs on nine hits in eight innings.

Roberto Hernandez pitched the ninth for his 21st save.

Grimsley retired the first 12 batters before Robin Ventura singled leading off the fifth. Grimsley didn’t allow another runner until Phillips opened the seventh with a single.