Unfortunately, the 2023 White Sox continue to disappoint.
On Sunday afternoon, Lucas Giolito‘s quality start was not enough to get the job done, as the club fell 4-3 to the St. Louis Cardinals. Today’s loss was the third straight series that they’ve dropped, as their last series victory came back on June 25th versus the Boston Red Sox.
Chicago’s offense continues to let the pitching staff down, and on Sunday it was no different. They’ve only scored 5+ runs in one of their last six games (five losses in that span). Luis Robert Jr. had the lone extra-base knock during the ball game, as his double in the bottom of the seventh frame was his 23rd two-bagger of the campaign.
The White Sox did have a lead in this ballgame in the ninth, despite the rough showing from the offense. However, Kendall Graveman was unable to lock it down in the ninth, and Keynan Middleton allowed the ghost runner to score in the tenth to give the Cardinals the come-from-behind victory.
With the tough loss today, the White Sox are now an unsightly 38-54 and eight games behind the AL-Central leading Cleveland Guardians (45-45).
W: Jojo Romero (1-0) | L: Keynan Middleton (2-1)
Statcast Breakdown
Box Score
Offensive Recap:
Pitching Recap:
White Sox Scoring Recap:
- Bottom of the 3rd: Andrus singled to left. Colás scored. 1-0 White Sox.
- Bottom of the 7th: Pérez reached on a fielding error. Luis Robert Jr. scored. 2-2 tie.
- Bottom of the 8th: Robert Jr. hit a sacrifice fly to left. Remillard scored. 3-2 White Sox.
Notable Performances
Lucas Giolito: 7.0 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 2 ER, 5 K, 90 Pitches (57 Strikes)
The White Sox’ best starter in 2023 provided yet another quality start today, his fourth in his last six outings. He was efficient and effective in limiting St. Louis’ offense, notching 12 swings and misses in the process.
Tim Anderson: 0-for-5, GIDP, K
While not notable for a good reason, it’s worth noting that Tim ended the first half on a similar note to how he’s performed thus far in 2023: on a poor note. After today’s 0-for-5 outing, his slash line now sits at an abysmal .223/.259/.263.
Luis Robert Jr.: 1-for-3, 2B, RBI, R, 2 K
Chicago’s All-Star centerfielder smacked a double and had an RBI-sacrifice fly in today’s contest. He’s now up to 51 RBIs on the season.
Elvis Andrus: 2-for-3, RBI, BB
Elvis was a big contributor this afternoon, getting on base three times and driving in Oscar Colás with a chopper RBI single.
Gregory Santos: 1.0 IP, H, K
Santos held the Cardinals at bay on Sunday in a clean inning of work (top of the eighth). He continues to build on his strong campaign, and his ERA now sits at a stout 2.76 after today’s performance.
Next Matchup
Outside of those participating in the All-Star Game festivities in Seattle, the Sox will take a brief hiatus for the All-Star Break. Upon returning to action, they will begin a nine-game road trip, starting in Atlanta for a three-game set with the juggernaut Atlanta Braves.
The first game of the series is on Friday, July 14th, at 6:20 PM CST and can be viewed on NBC Sports Chicago. The probable starting pitchers for the contest have yet to be announced.
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Featured Image: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
You can say is that there is consistency with the White Sox! They find ways to blow quality starts by the pitching staff, and they fail to close out games in the ninth inning! I have a friend who said other teams do that, and I replied that that is why they, along with the White Sox, are hopelessly below .500. Winning teams don’t make a habit of this! My friend also talked about them gelling. I told him that to gel a team needs the material, the leadership and the organization. The White Sox have none of the above! I can see them losing over 90 games.