Game 42: Wilson Looks Good but Sale Looks Better, White Sox Defeat The Angels 3-0

ANAHEIM – After handing Chicago the win last night, the Angels (15-27) were looking for redemption against the White Sox and lanky left-hander Chris Sale (5-2).  C.J. Wilson (3-3) took the mound for the Halos and managed to keep it close through seven innings.  To Wilson’s credit, Alex Rios‘ two-out home run in the first inning constituted the only offense until the 7th inning when Conor Gillaspie singled home Dayan Viciedo to give the White Sox a 2-0 lead.

May 17, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Chicago White Sox left fielder Dayan Viciedo (24) is caught stealing second against the tag of Los Angeles Angels second baseman

(47) in the ninth inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Sale was impressive against the Angels Friday night. For the second time in less than a week, Sale once again sailed through the Angels lineup, striking out 12 and allowing three hits over 7 2/3 innings to improve to 5-2. In fact, Sale has only one earned run in 22 1/3 career innings versus the Angels (Note: that earned run was an Albert Pujols home run one year ago). So yeah, it’s safe to say that this guy is like Kryptonite for the Angels.

Garrett Richards came out in relief for C.J. Wilson in the bottom of the 8th inning.  Richards was cruising until Adam Dunn ripped a home run to right-field in the top of the 9th inning putting the Sox up 3-0.  This was Dunn’s 10th home run on the season.

The Angels went quietly in the 9th inning as Addison Reed picked up save number 14 for Chicago.  The White Sox are now 19-21 and have won four straight games.  With tonight’s loss the Angels are now a season high 12 games back in the AL West.  The teams continue the series tomorrow at 1:05 PST as Joe Blanton (0-7, 6.46 ERA) takes the mound for the Halos.  Blanton will be looking for his first win and is scheduled to face Chicago’s Hector Santiago (1-2, 2.23 ERA).