White Sox blast A's, who lose starting pitcher to injury

[August 18, 2021]   Jake Lamb and Jose Abreu smacked three-run home runs and Reynaldo Lopez pitched five shutout innings as the host Chicago White Sox defeated the Oakland Athletics 9-0 on Tuesday night.

Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (40) delivers against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Relievers Ryan Burr and Mike Wright Jr. combined with Lopez to complete a four-hit shutout, dealing Oakland its third straight loss.

The A's endured a scare when All-Star right-hander Chris Bassitt was carted off the field in the second inning after suffering a jarring head injury.

With runners on first and second and no outs, Chicago's Brian Goodwin lined a 1-1 pitch up the middle. The ball sharply struck Bassitt in the head.

Bassitt went to the ground as trainers tended to him, helping apply towels to Bassitt's bloodied face. Many of his teammates took a knee or held their hands in a prayerful gesture as Bassitt left the field.

The A's later tweeted that Bassitt was "conscious and aware" and being taken to a Chicago hospital for treatment.

After the game, manager Bob Melvin told the media, "We don't think the eye is a problem at this point. Felt like it was below it. He's got some cuts and used some stitches. He's in a scan and we'll know about potential fractures tomorrow or later tonight."

Oakland righty Burch Smith inherited the bases loaded and promptly yielded a two-run single to Andrew Vaughn. Lamb then launched a three-run home run to center field to give Chicago a 5-0 lead.

Bassitt (12-4) was charged with three runs and three hits in one-plus inning while striking out one batter.

Making his third start and 11th appearance of the season, Lopez (2-0) pitched a season-high five innings, spacing one hit, two walks and four strikeouts.

Burr and Wright followed with two innings apiece to help the White Sox secure their first shutout victory since Aug. 7.

Goodwin and Vaughn had two hits apiece for the American League Central-leading White Sox, who have won the first two games of their four-game set against the A's. Oakland eliminated Chicago from the 2020 postseason.

Chicago shortstop Tim Anderson had an RBI triple and turned a pair of unassisted double plays.

A's designated hitter Mitch Moreland, who was 0-for-2 with a walk, pitched a scoreless eighth.

--Field Level Media

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