After sweeping Minnesota during the week, the White Sox split their doubleheader with Kansas City by scores of a 6-2 loss and 3-1 win today. Giolito had a rough, albeit unlucky, outing with 5 earned runs in game one over the course of six innings. He did strike out seven in the effort, and both home runs he gave up had an xBA under .200. The offense also got off to a slower start this afternoon, scoring just two runs in seven innings on sacrifice flies from Jose Abreu and Andrew Vaughn – however, the injury to Jose Abreu likely had a jarring effect on most of the team.
Michael Kopech, however, pitched very well in game two with seven swings and misses, 5 K, and 1 ER. The offense was better in this game, as they ran Jakob Junis out of the game in 2nd inning and put together some pretty good at-bats. Yoan Moncada was a regular on the base paths today, as he recorded 2 hits and 3 walks in his 7 plate appearances between both games. Elsewhere, Andrew Vaughn crushed his second career homer to put the White Sox ahead for good.
With the split, the White Sox are 22-14.
Game 1 – W: Brad Keller (3-4) | L: Lucas Giolito (2-4)
Game 2 – W: Heuer (3-1) | L: Junis (1-3) | S: Hendriks (8)
Savant Leaders
Notable Performances
Michael Kopech: 4.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 5 K, 2 BB
Kopech continues to have an amazing start to his season. He got to a few full counts, but ultimately came out on top and really settled in throughout the game. After today’s outing, his ERA sits at 1.71, and whether starting or coming out of the bullpen, he has shown to be a reliable option for the White Sox consistently.
Yoan Moncada (Both Games): 2-for-4, 2B, 3 BB, RBI
Moncada keeps on hitting and getting on base for the South Siders. He scorched a double in the 2nd game off of Jakob Junis in the 1st inning, and later added on with with two walks, one of which came with the bases loaded and “drove” in a run. Moncada now has his average up to .266 on the season.
Andrew Vaughn (Both Games): 1-for-5, HR, 3 RBI
After hitting his first MLB home run a couple days ago, Vaughn is showing that he is heating up with another shot to left field tonight. This bomb came in the 2nd inning and helped the Sox get into the Royal’s bullpen. After this game Vaughn’s slash is at .259/.367/.420 with a .347 WOBA and 128 wRC+. After never playing above A+ ball, he has certainly been impressive to start this year.
Zack Collins (Both Games): 2-for-5, 2 2B, 2R
Collins pinch-hit for Abreu in game one after his collision with Hunter Dozier and started in game two behind the plate. In both games he scorched a double and scored a run. He keeps on building on his first season as primary back-up catcher and has been filling in that role solidly with a 120 wRC+.
Jose Abreu
Jose Abreu left with an injury in this afternoon’s game after colliding with Hunter Dozier. He is officially listed as day-to-day with a facial contusion and lacerations as well as a bruised left knee.
He apparently was fighting to get into game two, as he passed concussion protocol. It will be great to see Abreu get back on the field in the coming days.
Next Game
The White Sox continue their series against the Royals tomorrow at 6:10pm. Carlos Rodon will look to continue dominating, and he will take on fellow southpaw Mike Minor as the Sox look to continue mashing lefties. The game will be televised on NBC Sports Chicago.
