Sale pitches gem as Sox split doubleheader with Orioles

BALTIMORE — Left-hander Chris Sale struck out 12 and walked none over 7 2/3 scoreless innings as the Sox beat the Orioles 3-2 in the first game of a doubleheader Thursday at Camden Yards.

Right-hander Chris Beck, 24, was recalled from Class AAA Charlotte between games of the doubleheader to start Game 2 for the Sox. Beck allowed five runs (four earned) and 10 hits in six innings of the Sox’ 6-3 loss.

The doubleheader was scheduled as a makeup for games postponed after rioting broke out in Baltimore in late April.

It was the fifth time Sale has struck out at least 10 and walked none during his career.

“I felt strong throughout,” Sale said. “Historically, I have been pretty terrible against this team, to be totally honest with you. So it was nice to be able to turn that around.”

Sale was making his 10^th career appearance against the O’s and fourth start. He entered with an 0-2 record and 5.06 ERA.

Overall, White Sox pitchers combined for a season-high 16 strikeouts. Left-hander Zach Duke yielded a two-out, two-run homer to Chris Davis in the ninth inning before right-hander Jake Petricka got the final out for his first save.

Melky Cabrera, Adam LaRoche and Tyler Flowers each knocked in runs for the Sox.

“Just matched up against one of the best pitchers in baseball,” Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. “Sale had everything going today.”