Foltynewicz Fans 10 For Braves In 2-0 Win Over White Sox
CHICAGO (AP) — The White Sox were denied a sixth straight series win, despite James Shields' best start since coming to Chicago.
The Atlanta Braves beat the White Sox, 2-0, on Sunday, though Shields turned in his third straight quality start going into the All-Star break.
"Even when I was struggling, I didn't put too much emphasis on each start," Shields said. "But being consistent and on the same page with Navvy (catcher Dioner Navarro) back there has been great."
Shields (4-10) allowed six hits, including two homers, in 7 2/3 innings. He struck out two as his record fell to 2-3 since his arrival from San Diego in a trade.
"The best (performance) since he's been here," manager Robin Ventura said.
As good as Shields was, though, Mike Foltynewicz was better. The Braves right-hander allowed five hits in seven innings. Jeff Francoeur and Jace Peterson homered for all the runs he needed.
Foltynewicz (3-3), who grew up in the far southwest suburbs of Chicago, had a career-high 10 strikeouts without allowing a walk. He struck out the side in the seventh on 12 pitches.
"He has great stuff," Ventura said. "Any time you can get up to around 100 (mph) ... It didn't fall off, either. Our guys couldn't get on it. Every time we got something going, he snuffed it out."
The 24-year-old right-hander won for the first time since beating the Giants on May 30. He was placed on the disabled list on June 4 with a bone spur and made his third start since returning.
Chris Withrow pitched a scoreless eighth for the Braves and Jim Johnson finished for his second save in four chances.
After retiring the first four batters, Shields was tagged for a solo shot by Francoeur in the second inning. It was Francoeur's fifth of the season and second in as many games. An inning later, Shields gave up Peterson's fourth of the season.
Ex-White Sox A.J. Pierzynski hit his 400th career double in the fifth inning. He became the fourth catcher in major league history with 400 or more doubles.
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
White Sox LHP Jose Quintana has replaced Cleveland's Danny Salazar on the AL All-Star roster. A first-time All-Star, Quintana is 7-8 with a 3.21 ERA, sixth-best in the AL at the start of Sunday. He joins teammate Chris Sale on the roster.
"When Robin talked to me, I couldn't believe that," Quintana said. "Any goal for a player is to make the All-Star Game. I'm so happy. All my preparation and work, when you get that, it's really exciting for me."
TRAINER'S ROOM
Braves: C Tyler Flowers reported improvement in his strained left hand. He received treatment before the game and was scheduled to be re-examined in Atlanta during the All-Star break next week. He will undergo an MRI on Monday. ... RHP Arodys Vizcaino was unavailable because of skin irritation on his right elbow. He was excepted to return immediately after the All-Star break.
White Sox: 1B/DH Justin Morneau is 2 for 17 in his rehab stint with Triple-A Charlotte. The White Sox signed Morneau on June 9 as he recovers from offseason left elbow surgery. There is still no timetable for his White Sox debut. "I think for him it's always going to be about his pace and what he feels like he can handle and where he's at," Ventura said. "That's going to be the biggest thing, and we're going to have to be patient with that, for him, knowing when's the right time to give a thumbs up."
UP NEXT
Braves: Atlanta will make a decision on Friday's starter after the All-Star Game on Tuesday. If RHP Julio Teheran (3-8), who was selected as a member of the NL All-Star team, doesn't pitch on Tuesday, he will likely start on Friday against Colorado.
White Sox: Miguel Gonzalez (2-4) is scheduled to start against Angels in Anaheim on Friday. Shields will follow on Saturday.
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