Donaldson's blast the difference in duel
CHICAGO -- Jose Quintana pitched well enough to win Tuesday night at U.S. Cellular Field, as he has done for most of the 2015 season. And once again the White Sox offense did not support him, as the Blue Jays claimed a 2-1 victory and evened this four-game set at one win apiece.
Part of the credit for Toronto's victory goes to starting pitcher Felix Doubront, who held the White Sox to one run on six hits over 6 2/3 innings, while striking out six and walking one. But the fact of the matter is this White Sox offense has been in sleep mode for most of this season, having now gone 24 straight home games scoring four runs or less.
Video: TOR@CWS: Doubront allows one run over 6 2/3 innings
Quintana worked a season-high eight innings and 114 pitches, allowing two runs on four hits. He struck out eight and didn't issue a walk. The deciding run came off the bat of Josh Donaldson, whose leadoff homer to right in the fourth put the Blue Jays in front for good.
"I try to do what is best for me every five days," Quintana said. "I try to get a win for us every time. It's the middle of the season. I think, let's change it the next start."
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Rain Man: Donaldson went deep for the second time in as many games when he sent a solo shot over the wall in right field during the fourth inning. According to Statcast™, Donaldson's 21st of the year left his bat at 105 mph and was projected to travel 383 feet. It was Donaldson's 31st home run vs. a lefty since 2013, which is the most in the Major Leagues.
Sanchez contributes with the bat: Carlos Sanchez, who has struggled with a .166 average over 145 at-bats since assuming the role of starting second baseman, delivered offensively. Sanchez brought home Gordon Beckham with a two-out single in the second, after Beckham doubled with two outs and Tyler Flowers was hit by a pitch.
Video: TOR@CWS: Sanchez singles to left, scoring Beckham
Deja vu: Jose Reyes made an untimely error on Monday night that proved to be a turning point in Toronto dropping the series opener, and history nearly repeated itself the following day. This time it happened in the seventh as Flowers reached base on a throwing error to lead off the inning. That represented the tying run, but Doubront induced a double play and reliever Bo Schultz later entered to keep Toronto's lead intact heading to the eighth.
Video: TOR@CWS: Reyes, Travis combine to turn a double play
Q has the K's: In another banner night for Quintana, the left-hander managed to strike out five straight, from one out in the fourth through the fifth. That streak ended with Reyes' groundout to open the sixth.
Not very offensive ninth: Alexei Ramirez represented the tying run in the ninth inning when he singled, moved to second on Beckham's bunt and took third on Roberto Osuna's wild pitch with one out. But left-handed-hitting pinch-hitters J.B. Shuck and Conor Gillaspie both fouled out to strand Ramirez at third and give the Blue Jays the victory.
Video: TOR@CWS: Osuna induces popup to secure the save
QUOTABLE
"I don't want to say I try to hit a homer all of the time, but I try to go up there and drive the ball for the most part. I guess I'm a little more fortunate when the game's close." -- Donaldson, who has 14 homers this season that have either tied or given the Rays the lead
"Offensively you want to see it get a little bit better. You have to be able to put up a crooked number." -- White Sox manager Robin Ventura, on hope for his team in the season's second half
SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS
Of Donaldson's 21 home runs this season, 19 have come while starting the game at third base. That's tied for the third most by a Blue Jays third baseman prior to the All-Star break. Tony Bautista hit 24 in 2000, Kelly Gruber 20 in 1990 and Ed Sprague had 19 in '96.
PLAYING IT CLOSE
Seven of the White Sox last 10 games have been decided by one run, and the club is 4-3 in those seven. The White Sox are 17-15 in one-run games this season.
WHAT'S NEXT
Blue Jays: Right-hander Drew Hutchison will attempt to reverse his fortunes on the road when the Blue Jays continue their series against the White Sox on Wednesday night at 8:10 p.m. ET. Hutchison has a 9.00 ERA in nine road starts this season compared to a 2.12 mark in eight home starts.
White Sox: John Danks ended his personal four-game June losing streak by throwing seven scoreless innings against the Orioles. The veteran southpaw will try to build on that effort when he takes the mound for a 7:10 p.m. CT first pitch Wednesday. Danks is 2-4 with a 6.23 ERA lifetime against the Blue Jays.
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