‘Hard lesson’ for White Sox in second straight rout vs. Rangers

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Robinson Chirinos #61 of the Texas Rangers tags out Yoan Moncada #10 of the Chicago White Sox at home in the first inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington on June 30, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

ARLINGTON, Texas – Can the White Sox start the second half over?

This road trip?

A night after losing 11-3 to the Rangers to finish the first half with a 28-53 record, the Sox took a 13-4 beating and looked bad doing it, committing two errors (right-hander Juan Minaya, catcher Omar Narvaez), getting gloves on balls not caught (Yoan Moncada, Tim Anderson) and even falling down in the outfield (Charlie Tilson on a triple). To make all of this painfully worse, they endured a half inning in the eighth that lasted 41 minutes.

The Rangers scored seven in that one, five against Bruce Rondon, who pitched so poorly manager Rick Renteria was forced to bring in one of his better relievers, Jace Fry. Rondon threw 33 pitches and Luis Avilan and Fry combined for 32 more.

It was a poor showing from the get-go, starting with Moncada getting thrown out at home on a good play by shortstop Elvis Andrus in the first inning. The middle infield was playing back, and manager Rick Renteria said Moncada didn’t go all-out to the plate, thinking Andrus, fielding Jose Abreu’s sharp grounder to his right, was conceding the run and throwing to first.

“If you’re asking me if he gave his best effort, no he did not,” Renteria said.

Moncada did have to elude Abreu’s bat lying in the base line, but still. No excuse, Renteria said.

“You have to go out and execute,” Renteria said. “If you don’t, somebody is going to get you. Today’s game was a hard lesson for them.”

Only eight more to go on the trip, starting with Sunday’s matinee in expected 102-degree heat.

Matt Davidson and Avisail Garcia homered for the Sox, so that was good, but the Rangers got solo homers from Joey Gallo and Ryan Rua and a bases loaded double from Robinson Chirinos against Sox lefty Carlos Rodon.

Rodon can’t repeat

Rodon made his fifth start of the season, and couldn’t finish the sixth inning after going a season high eight in his previous start against the Athletics.

Rodon allowed five runs on six hits and two walks over 5 1/3 innings. He struck out three and threw 53 of his 89 pitches for strikes.

“As a unit we didn’t play too great,” Rodon said. “It starts off with the pitcher. I’m the guy who holds the ball and starts the inning. You just have to be better. Tomorrow is a new day and you have to wash this one away.”

History maker

Rangers righty Bartolo Colon, 45, notched his 245th career win, most by native of Dominican Republic and one shy of matching Nicaragua’s Dennis ‘El Presidente’ Martinez for most in history by native of Latin America.

Nate Jones update

Nate Jones, who went on the disabled list with a pronator muscle strain June 13, played catch at 90 feet and ramped up some pitches from 60 feet on flat ground.

“He’s starting to climb and feel better and it’s moving along,’’ pitching coach Don Cooper said.

Likely needing several days before throwing bullpens, live batting practice and then a minor league rehab outing, a return after the All-Star break seems more likely than before.

He’s back

Yolmer Sanchez returned to the lineup after missing one start.

“He feels no pain,’’ Renteria said.

Sanchez poked a soft double down the left field line in the first and gave the Sox a 2-0 lead with

The heat will be on Lopez

Reynaldo Lopez gets the ball for Sunday’s series finale, which calls for sunshine and high temperature of 102 degrees.

“It’s going to be hot; it doesn’t matter,’’ Lopez said. “We need to go out and perform in hot weather, cold weather, whatever the elements.’’

Lopez (3-5, 3.73 ERA) has a 2.55 ERA over his last three road starts.

In spring training, Lopez said his goal was to pitch 200 innings and win 15 games. Halfway through the season, he’s at a 94 innings, second on the team to James Shields (107).

His second half goals?

“Keep rolling, do my job and stay healthy,’’ Lopez said. “If you are healthy you are able to do good things. Those are my goals.’’

Kopech’s line

Top pitching prospect Michael Kopech allowed three runs (one earned) on three hits and four walks while striking out eight for Class AAA Charlotte vs. Gwinnett, raising his International League leading total to 105. Kopech was not especially sharp, however, throwing 54 of his 97 pitches for strikes.


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