Crede’s grand slam lifts White Sox, 7-4

CHICAGO -- Joe Crede appeared to be the Chicago White Sox’s forgotten man, but now that he’s healthy, he’s sending out reminders -- like that loud one he delivered Monday.

Crede hit a tiebreaking grand slam to cap a five-run seventh inning, and Chicago won its home opener over the Minnesota Twins, 7-4.

Coming off a weekend sweep at Detroit, Chicago has won five games in a row for the first time since Aug. 10-14, 2006. The White Sox have won six of their last seven home openers.

Crede, batting .393 with 10 runs batted in, endured a back injury last season and trade rumors in the off-season. Limited to 47 games last year, he hit .216 with 22 RBIs. With Josh Fields also available to play third, Chicago explored trade opportunities for Crede during much of the off-season.

“The biggest thing coming into this season was staying healthy,” said Crede, who struggled in spring training. “For me that was my main goal in the spring, was to be able to get out there and feel comfortable at the plate, feel comfortable on defense and No. 1 to stay healthy.”

Jermaine Dye tied the score, 3-3, with a one-out single against Pat Neshek, who had just replaced Matt Guerrier (0-1). A.J. Pierzynski struck out and Carlos Quentin loaded the bases with a single.

Crede broke his bat while driving a 1-and-0 pitch to the bullpen in left field for his first slam since June 24, 2006, against the Houston Astros.

Javier Vazquez (1-1) struggled early before settling down. He gave up three runs and seven hits in seven innings, struck out eight batters and walked one.