Mick Abel's Twins debut was marred by a six-run second inning in which Colson Montgomery connected on a second-pitch grand slam to right field, scoring four and putting the White Sox ahead. Abel issued a bases-loaded walk earlier in that inning and threw 39 pitches during the inning, exiting after three laborious frames. The White Sox collected three singles, two walks and a home run in the rally, with five of the six runs coming with two outs. Abel was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies in the return for closer Jhoan Duran. Manager Rocco Baldelli praised Abel's ability while noting the tough second inning.
CHICAGO - Mick Abel's first pitch to Colson Montgomery missed badly, well wide of the zone. His second pitch to the Chicago White Sox shortstop was right over the heart of the zone, and Montgomery didn't miss it, bashing a pitch out to right field and bringing home himself and three of his teammates in the process.
All told, the White Sox (46-83) had three singles, a pair of walks and a home run in the second against Abel as they took firm control of the game. Five of the six runs they scored came with two outs after the rookie starter was just a strike away from getting out of the inning with the game tied.
Abel, acquired as part of the return from the Philadelphia Phillies for star closer Jhoan Duran, lasted three innings - all laborious - in his first start with the Twins (59-70). He threw 39 pitches in the second inning alone, helping lead to his early departure. He also took a comebacker off his leg an inning earlier, though he did not seem concerned about that, getting out of a first-inning jam right after that by inducing a double play. Abel also worked around traffic in his third and final inning.
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