The game was supposed to be easier than it was. Even so, the Good Guys took home the victory.
Carlos Rodon made his first start since his return from the injured list, going five innings and putting the White Sox in a great opportunity to win. This was aided by some serious offense, including home runs from Cesar Hernandez, Jose Abreu, and Luis Robert early in this one. By the time Rodon left the game, the White Sox were winning 7-2
The Blue Jays wouldn’t go away quietly, however, scoring five runs off of Michael Kopech in the bottom of the sixth inning, pulling the Blue Jays within two runs at 9-7. That’s as close as they would get, however, as Ryan Tepera, Garrett Crochet, and Craig Kimbrel shut the door to secure the series split, and Eloy Jimenez added some insurance with a home run of his own in the ninth.
With the win, the White Sox improve to 74-55 on the season.
W: Carlos Rodon (10-5) | L: Hyun Jin Ryu (12-7) | S: Craig Kimbrel (24)
Savant Leaders
Notable Performances
Carlos Rodon: 5 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 9 Swinging Strikes
Carlos Rodon had a nice return to the mound today, going five relatively easy innings with not too much happening. He did have to work out of a jam as the rain fell in the fifth inning, but overall, a quality start for a potential AL Cy Young winner,
Cesar Hernandez: 2-for-4, HR, RBI, 2 R
Hernandez, who had been scuffling of late, broke out in a big way on both sides of the ball today. He hit his third homer as a member of the White Sox, and made some dazzling plays on defense when the Sox really needed them. His bat will be a big part of the bottom of the lineup as the team heads into September.
Tim Anderson: 3-for-5, 2 RBI, R, K
The straw that stirs the drink at the top of the lineup was at it again, adding another three hits to his total to bring his season average to .303.
Eloy Jimenez and Jose Abreu: 2 HR, 2 RBI combined
Ball go far, team go far – it’s that simple for the White Sox.
Ryan Tepera, Garrett Crochet, Craig Kimbrel: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
The bullpen has been shaky of late, to say the least. Tepera, Crochet, and Kimbrel were able to shut down the late innings rather easily – a much-needed sight for Sox fans.
Next Game
The White Sox return home to conclude the Crosstown Cup this weekend, as they take on the Cubs tomorrow night. Keegan Thompson of the Cubs will face off against Dallas Keuchel.
The game will begin at 7:10 PM CT and can be viewed on NBC Sports Chicago.
