CHICAGO -- Brett Lawrie launched a full-count, fifth-inning fastball from Mike Clevinger deep into the left-field stands for a three-run homer to give the White Sox control in a 7-6 victory over the Indians on Monday during the opener of a doubleheader between the top two teams in the American League Central. Lawrie connected with Todd Frazier and Melky Cabrera on base and two outs, as the designated hitter reached base five times in the contest.
The White Sox added an unearned run in the seventh via two errors and three walks, which proved to be important, as Cleveland did not disappear quietly. Trailing by four runs in the eighth, Zach Duke walked Carlos Santana and allowed Jason Kipnis' double to open the frame. Mike Napoli's groundout against Matt Albers scored a run, and Jose Ramirez punctuated a 10-pitch at-bat with a long two-run homer to right. The Indians were not able to climb all the way back against Nate Jones and David Robertson over the final four outs.
Mat Latos earned the victory, improving to 6-1 on the season. Latos gave up three runs on five hits over six innings, including home runs from Napoli and Marlon Byrd, while striking out four and walking one. Clevinger got the loss in his second big league start, yielding six runs on seven hits in five innings to go with his four strikeouts and three walks.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Frazier does it all: Frazier homered in the first, taking the AL lead at 14, after robbing Francisco Lindor with a barehanded play in the top of the frame. Since he decided to put in a little extra work studying pitchers before Sunday's game, Frazier is 4-for-6 and has been on base seven times.
Hitless no more: Napoli entered Monday hitless in his past 19 at-bats. At one point in Cleveland's last series against the Red Sox, he struck out in eight consecutive plate appearances. He flipped the script with his second-inning home run to left field. Napoli also walked in the fourth and drove in another run on a groundout in the eighth.
Scott Merkin has covered the White Sox for MLB.com since 2003. Read his blog, Merk's Works, follow him on Twitter @scottmerkin, on Facebook and listen to his podcast.
Cody Stavenhagen is a reporter for MLB.com based in Chicago and covered the Indians on Monday.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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