First it was Michael Kopech for five homers. Then it was Lance Lynn for three more Thursday.
The Giants swung and didn’t miss mistakes, belting a record 13 long balls in a disappointing series for the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field, including five in a 16-6 laugher Thursday against the Sox (3-4). The Giants won 12-3 in the Sox’ home opener Monday, taking two of three.
Using utility man Hanser Alberto as a pitcher to save the bullpen for the second time in the series, a Sox first, was not what manager Pedro Grifol envisioned for his first home showing.
“Yeah, we didn’t have much in that bullpen today,” said Grifol, who waited till Lynn tossed his 99th pitch after he allowed eight earned runs on nine hits and three walks over 41⁄3 innings.”
“I wasn’t good. There’s no way to sugarcoat it,” Lynn said. “All and all, it was a p—pour day.”
Michael Conforto, Wilmer Flores, Mike Yazstrzemski, Blake Sabol and J.D. Davis also went deep for the Giants (3-3). The previous record of 12 homers in a series at Guaranteed Rate Field was set by the Sox on June 30-July 2, 2003. The Giants matched their franchise record for the most homers in a three-game series.
“They just didn’t miss the pitches they were looking for,” catcher Seby Zavala said. “A couple balls down the middle and they didn’t miss today. They didn’t miss much this week.”
“Every mistake we made they squared it up,” Grifol said. “I don’t know if that’s who they are or they came in hot, I’m not sure. We’ll find out.”
Three of the Sox’ runs came against Giants position player Matt Beaty, who pitched the ninth inning.
The Sox hit one home run in the series.
Eloy stays active
Eloy Jimenez, who landed on the injured list Wednesday after straining his left hamstring running from first to third against the Giants in the Sox’ fifth game of the season Monday, ran and played catch Thursday and said he felt well enough to pinch hit, were he active.
Jimenez answered questions about the latest in a lengthy history of injuries.
“I consider myself a positive person but when I need to talk about all this, it makes me not in a good mood,” he said. “But this is your job and this is my job to answer questions. It is what it is.
“I think we are not going to talk about injuries this year anymore.”
The Sox said Jimenez would be out two to three weeks when they announced the injury, but Grifol said a decision about activating him will be made when the IL period is over.
“We want to make sure that he’s healthy when we get him back on the field,” Grifol said. “Completely healthy.”
Anderson on the ejection
Tim Anderson was unavailable after he was ejected Wednesday but addressed it — sort of — on Thursday. Anderson was tossed by umpire D.J. Reyburn after he yelled at Giants pitcher Logan Webb, who Anderson thought was quick-pitching him.
“I don’t really want to talk about it,” Anderson said. “You guys have seen what happened. You guys have seen what I said, and have all the resources you need to understand the situation. It was a topic yesterday and I’m all about moving forward and trying to find the positivity and flush it, just like [the loss] today.”
This and that
Third baseman Yoan Moncada was rested in favor of Alberto. Luis Robert exited the game in the seventh for a rest and to give Oscar Colas innings in center field, Grifol said.
*Friday’s game at Pittsburgh will be the Sox’ third home-opening game this season.
SOX AT PIRATES
Friday: Lucas Giolito (0-0, 3.60 ERA) vs. Rich Hill (0-1, 5.40), 3:12 p.m., NBCSCH, 1000-AM.
Saturday: Mike Clevinger (1-0, 0.00) vs. Vince Velasquez (0-1, 5.79), 5:35 p.m., NBCSCH, 1000-AM.
Sunday: Michael Kopech (0-1, 13.50) vs. Johan Oviedo (0-0, 7.71), 12:35 p.m., NBCSCH, 1000-AM.
