Tyler Flowers’ lead off home run in the fifth inning was the only blemish for Royals Opening Day starter James Shields as the White Sox scored a 1-0 win on a chilly Monday afternoon in Chicago. Chris Sale held the Royals bats to no runs in 7.2 innings to earn the win for the Sox.
The Royals got exactly what they expected out of Shields who they picked up this offseason from Tampa Bay. The former Rays All-Star lasted six innings, allowing just one run and eight hits while striking out six without a walk. Sale was slightly better striking out seven, while walking one and allowing seven hits.
Flowers, who took over the starting catcher’s job from veteran A.J. Pierzynski, hit a 2-2 changeup to left-center leading off the fifth. It was his first homer since September 8 which also came against the Royals.
Alcides Escobar and Jeff Francouer each had two hits for the Royals. Former Missouri Tiger Aaron Crow pitched an inning of relief and had one strikeout.
Watch Flowers’ HR courtesy of MLB.com