(670 The Score) After being the victim of another hit by pitch against the Royals that led to a heated exchange Wednesday evening, White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson rejected the premise that he was beaned on purpose by a nemesis but did want to make this much clear.
"I don't like the Royals," Anderson said after the White Sox's 8-7 win at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Royals right-hander Glenn Sparkman hit Anderson in the bill of his helment with a runner on first and nobody out in the second inning as the White Sox led 2-1. Anderson's helmet was knocked off, and home-plate umpire Mark Carlson quickly ejected Sparkman, who was making his second start of the season.
It was Anderson's first at-bat of the series after he wasn't in the starting lineup with a sore wrist the past two days, and it continued what Anderson has termed a "forever beef" with the Royals. On April 17, Royals right-hander Brad Keller drilled Anderson in the backside in retaliation for an exuberant celebration and spirited bat flip on a homer in his previous at-bat.
That sparked a benches-clearing scuffle. Keller was suspended for five games, and Anderson drew a one-game suspension for using inappropriate language amid the incident.
This time, Anderson didn't believe Sparkman hit him on purpose.
"I knew it was an accident," Anderson said. "I saw it in his face. He was looking scared. You know, it was a changeup that got away from him. It was just a tough moment for me, but I was able to control myself and stay in the game.
"It could've went either way. A ton of things could've happened (on a potential injury), but good thing it didn't do any damage. I was able to stay in the game and keep my composure and we were able to get the win."
The White Sox were victorious because of Anderson's tiebreaking double in the bottom of the eighth. It was a moment he savored and called "a little payback," given that the Royals have become Public Enemy No. 1 in in his mind.
"I don't like the Royals," Anderson said. "I don't like them. It's going to be forever beef for me. We're going to try to whoop them every time we play them.
"This gets me going. I'm excited to play them. I just want to whoop them every time we play them."
