Levine: Latos, White Sox Bats Rise From The Ashes

By Bruce Levine--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The White Sox bats rose from the ashes Monday afternoon, knocking out seven runs in support of winning pitcher Matt Latos.

Chicago had been in an offensive slump and Latos hadn't pitched past 5 1/3 innings in his previous four outings, but that change. Brett Lawrie's three-run homer was the telling blow of the 7-6 victory, which saw Latos register a quality start in the opener of a doubleheader at U.S. Cellular Field.

The White Sox had averaged just 2.8 runs in their last eight games. To turn it around, the long ball was king for the White Sox. Third baseman Todd Frazier hit his 14th of the season in the first inning off of rookie Mike Clevinger, who was making his second big league start. Clevinger's day ended on Lawrie's three-run blast that gave the White Sox a 6-3 lead in the pivotal fifth inning.

Latos had the Indians under control until the fifth inning, when Marlon Byrd hit a two-run homer into the right-center field bleachers. For the most part, Latos kept the ball and his pitch count down.

On Monday, he looked a lot more like the guy who won his first four starts of the season than the one who has struggled lately. He allowed three runs on five hits in six innings.

For Latos, it was his first quality start since April 24.

"A little bit of everything," was his response when asked what worked for him.

"I was able to command the fastball, slider, two-seamer, change-up. I was able to use the change-up to get some quick outs. The offense and defense were there. I can't say much more than that."

Frazier was the catalyst in the field and at the plate. He made a great play on a slow roller in the first inning to throttle an Indian uprising. He's now leading the American League in home runs with 14 and hitting .340 with seven home runs, 16 RBIs, 12 runs and 10 walks over his last 14 games.

Lawrie hadn't homered at home this season until Monday. The White Sox increased their division lead to 3.5 games with the win.

"Winning in general is important," Lawrie said. "It doesn't matter if it's in our division or whoever it is against. It is important that we just attack our game plan. If we do that, we don't have to worry about who is across the field."

Chicago is 9-3 against AL Central foes this season.

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.