Could you write a better script for this game? After offensive struggles put the South Siders in another losing position heading into the eighth, the White Sox had a runner on third with two outs, trailing 3-2. The Royals decided to walk Jose Abreu and immediately regretted the decision, as Eloy Jimenez launched a 3-run bomb to give the White Sox the lead and the eventual win.
Dylan Cease battled through a couple of jams to limit the Royals to three runs (one unearned) through six innings, and Michael Kopech and Liam Hendriks continued to be an unhittable finishing combo.
With the win, the White Sox hit the 60 win threshold, sitting at 60-41 on the season.
W: Reynaldo Lopez (1-0) | L: Kyle Zimmer (4-1) | S: Liam Hendriks (25)
Savant Leaders
Notable Performances
Eloy Jimenez: 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI
After a lackluster debut yesterday, Eloy made an impact today, to say the least. He led off the second with a bloop single to right field, and proceeded to make every White Sox fan smile along with him as he celebrated on first base. A few at-bats later, Eloy rescued what was looking like a wasted opportunity for the boys in black.
Anderson and Moncada turned two-men on, no out into just one run with a couple of hard groundouts. Then, KC manager Mike Matheny opted to intentionally walk Jose Abreu, and the Big Baby made him pay with a game-winning moonshot. Welcome back.
Gavin Sheets: 1-3, HR, 1 BB
Gavin “Bonds” Sheets continued to impress from the plate, as he belted a solo homer to right field to accompany a walk. With Luis Robert‘s imminent return, it seems that Sheets might just be guaranteeing himself a spot on this team.
Dylan Cease: 6 IP, 6 H, 1 BB, 6 K, 2 ER (3 R)
Our wonderful Jordan Lazowski wrote today on the steps Dylan Cease has taken in 2021. For a few innings Cease looked like he might be letting down his biggest fan, but then settled in and turned in an excellent start despite some hard hits and bad fielding. Walking only one batter is a great sign for the third-year starter, as Cease continues to try and prove himself at the major-league level.
And oh yeah, did we mention he had the help of a couple nice Eloy defensive plays? Number 74 turned in this nice catch on top of a smooth putout throw at the plate on an ambitious Royals send.
Reynaldo Lopez, Michael Kopech, Liam Hendriks: 3 IP, 0 H, 1 BB, 5 K
One of these things is not like the others. However, credit to Reynaldo for doing a solid fill-in job since being called up. As for Kopech and Hendriks—wow. No baserunners allowed, and no home batter really came close. The White Sox may have the best eighth/ninth inning duo in the league if Kopech stays in his current role.
Next Game
Game three of the four-game series beings tomorrow in Kansas City. Lucas Giolito will attempt to follow up a pair of 1-run starts with another gem, as young southpaw Kris Bubic will take the mound for the Royals.
The game will begin at 7:10 PM CT and can be viewed on NBC Sports Chicago.
