Chicago White Sox use small ball to win home opener, rallying to beat Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 in 10 innings
Derek Hill had a conversation with manager Will Venable before a 10th inning at-bat in Friday’s home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rate Field. “Skip came out and was like, ‘if they’re playing back, don’t be afraid to drop one down,'” the Chicago White Sox designated hitter said. The Sox trailed the Blue Jays by one run but had a runner on third in Miguel Vargas with two outs.
Photos: White Sox’s home opener at Rate Field Hill listened to the advice and placed a bunt just in front of the plate. Catcher Tyler Heineman, who entered after Alejandro Kirk got injured on a foul ball during the previous at-bat, quickly gathered the ball but threw wildly to first. Vargas scored and Hill made it to second on the error.
“(I) just went out there and executed his plan and it all worked out,” Hill said. Right fielder Tristan Peters followed with a walk-off single to right field as the Sox defeated the Blue Jays 5-4 in front of 33,171 at Rate Field. “That bunt was incredible,” Peters said.
“Just to keep us in the game like that. And then I’m just thinking, I know Derek is very fast, so a single scores him. I’m just trying to make contact and get it on the grass in the outfield somewhere.
“It was super exciting. It was such an honor to be able to win it on opening night here at home. ” After a sluggish 1-5 season-opening trip and being forced to wait a day for their home debut after Thursday’s postponement , the Sox used small ball to top last year’s American League champions.