The regular-season version of a playoff series between the Sox and Twins rolled on tonight, as the South Siders locked up at least a split with a 6-2 victory. After the Sox got in front 4-1 early, Dane Dunning was able to settle into a groove and look just as good against the Twins as he has against any other team he’s faced. In seven innings of work (a career-high), he fanned seven, with just one earned run. In addition, the White Sox quieted Nelon Cruz to a 1-for-4 performance with two strikeouts.
The White Sox are now 32-16, and extend their lead to three games on the Twins in the American League Central. Taking two from the Twins is huge. Even if the Sox do drop the next couple games, they are back to where they started this series — a one-game lead.
W: Dane Dunning (2-0) | L: Randy Dobnak (6-4)
Notable Performances
James McCann: 2-for-3, HR, 2B, 2 RBI, 2R
Tonight was another example of the importance of James McCann to this team. His ability to work with young pitchers, like Dunning, while being an offensive gem, showcased his part as a crucial component to where this team is going. McCann broke the 1-1 tie in the second with an RBI double, his third, later coming around to score. Later on, McCann added an insurance solo homer to put the Sox up 6-2.
Tim Anderson: 3-for-5, RBI, HR, 2 R
The reigning batting champ continues to work towards defending his crown. With a 3-for-5 performance at the plate, TA improved his batting average to .377. As it often so happens, Anderson got on base with a leadoff single in the top of the first, later coming around to score. In addition, his solo homer in the sixth gave the Sox their second three-run lead of the ball game. Anderson continues to lead the AL batting race, as Yankees second baseman DJ Lemahieu is in second at .363.
Dane Dunning: 7 IP, 7 K, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB
In my opinion, Dane Dunning is the best of the young Sox pitchers. Obviously we haven’t gotten a good enough look at Michael Kopech, and Dylan Cease has good stuff. However, Dunning has been thrust into the role of the fifth man in the rotation and has been one of the best Sox arms since his debut. Before tonight, he had only faced the Tigers, Royals, and Pirates, but he passed the exam that is the Minnesota Twins. The second-best offense in baseball was quieted to just three hits, one an inside-the-park home run by Byron Buxton when Dunning was on the mound. His seven innings were a career-high, and he continues to get better.
Moment of the Game
Tonight’s “Moment of the Game” was the nail in the coffin. James McCann’s big fly in the seventh was the dagger, and it showed how deep the Sox are.
Player of the Game
The Player of the Game is James McCann. Although Dane Dunning’s performance on the hill stole the show, McCann provided on offense and was the man behind the plate for a solid outing for a young pitcher.
Looking Ahead
Lucas Giolito will take the bump tomorrow for the White Sox in game three of the four game set. Jake Odorizzi is scheduled to get the start for the Twins. The game is scheduled for a 7:10 pm start on NBC Sports Chicago and the MyTeams App.
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McCann had a rough night behind the plate with 2 passed balls plus a couple of other pitches he struggled with. However, his bat and Grandal’s bats in the lineup make this team really tough to handle for opposing pitchers. Encarcion should not be in the lineup again except as a pinch hitter, imo. Hope the Sox can clinch a playoff spot tonite. Go SOX!!!