First it was Michael Kopech for five home runs. 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. The Giants won 12-3 in the Sox’ home opener Monday and took two of three in the series.
Using utility man Hanser Alberto as a pitcher to save the bullpen for the second time in the series was not what manager Pedro Grifol envisioned for his first home showing.
“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, nine hits and three walks in 4„ innings.
“I wasn’t good; there’s no way to sugarcoat it,” Lynn said. “All in all, it was a [very] poor day.”
Michael Conforto, Wilmer Flores, Mike Yastrzemski, Blake Sabol and J.D. Davis 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 from June 30 to July 2, 2003.
“They just didn’t miss the pitches they were looking for,” catcher Seby Zavala said. “A couple of 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. Not sure. We’ll find out.”
The Sox (3-4) have allowed a franchise-record 15 homers through the first seven games of a season.
Eloy stays active
Eloy Jimenez, who landed on the 10-day 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 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.
Anderson on the ejection
Shortstop Tim Anderson was unavailable after he was ejected Wednesday and still “didn’t really want to talk about it” on Thursday. Anderson was tossed by umpire D.J. Reyburn after he shouted at Giants pitcher Logan Webb, who Anderson thought was quick-pitching him.
“You guys have seen what happened,” Anderson said. “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 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 inning for a rest and to give Oscar Colas innings in center field, Grifol said.
† The game in Pittsburgh on Friday will be the Sox’ third home opener 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.
