Pirates beat White Sox 7-0; Lopez pitches just two innings

OK, so I started today’s gamethread saying this will be a watchable game.

I am so, so sorry.

I can’t think of a more problematic opening to a game than the way tonight’s started.

The White Sox couldn’t put a point on the board in the top of the first inning, and then, well, things didn’t get any better after that.

Reynaldo Lopez got ahead 0-1 against leadoff hitter Adam Frazier, but tried sneaking another fastball by him to no avail. Frazier put it over the right field wall and came close to depositing it into the Allegheny River.

Gregory Polanco then singled on a ball to right fielder Daniel Palka, who won’t be winning a Gold Glove this year.

Starling Marte doubled Polanco home, Josh Bell doubled Marte home, and Colin Moran doubled home Bell.

Boom, 4-0 Pirates, just like that.

Pittsburgh added two more in the second inning. Yeah, it wasn’t pretty tonight.

López ended his night going two innings and giving up six earned runs on seven hits and two walks.

Certainly not watchable ... again, my sincerest apologies.

There was some good news:

• Yoan Moncada returned from the DL and made some nice plays in the field. He had one hit, on a line drive single to right center field. It was nice to see him back out there.
• Jose Abreu added two hits himself, to get his average up to .290.
• The White Sox, after their win on Sunday vs. the Chicago Cubs, remained merely tied for the worst start in team history (with that feisty 1948 club) in spite of Tuesday’s loss.

But in the end, the Sox could muster only seven hits, without putting any runs across home plate.

Get your hopes up ... it’s Hector Santiago tomorrow! Sigh.

See you right back here tomorrow, with the quick turnaround (11:35 CST first pitch).