For the first time this season, the White Sox have swept an opponent! After an incredible start by Michael Kopech, the bats came alive once again and forced Rangers’ starter Kohei Arihara out after just two innings. Jose Abreu homered, while Adam Eaton, Nick Madrigal, and Tim Anderson found some gaps to keep the runs pouring on early all afternoon.
Stiever, Crochet, and Jose Ruiz followed Kopech’s outing, and the White Sox were able to avoid using their big bullpen arms on their way to a 12-9 record.
W: Michael Kopech (2-0) | L: Kohei Arihara (2-2)
Savant Leaders
Notable Performances
Michael Kopech: 5 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 10 K, 14 Swinging Strikes
Michael Kopech was brilliant this afternoon, stretching himself out to 87 pitches over five innings. Kopech will likely continue to pitch out of the bullpen for the time being, but it is clear his stuff isn’t missing even after being out of the game for two seasons.
Jose Abreu: 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI
Jose Abreu had himself a great ballgame, and he started off the offense this afternoon with a two-run homer in the first inning. He added an RBI sac fly later in the game as well. In this game, Abreu passed 2,000 career total bases, becoming just the 12th White Sox player to do so.
Nick Madrigal: 2-for-4, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, 2 R
Nick Madrigal continues to heat up and drive the ball to the gaps, adding a double and RBI triple to his stat line this afternoon. Madrigal is now slugging over .400 on the season, and if he continues to find gaps, he is going to continue to be a very productive piece in the White Sox’ lineup.
Zack Collins: 3-for-3, 3 1B, BB, R
Zack Collins did a great job behind the plate for the Sox this afternoon, doing a difficult thing in catching some tough Michael Kopech pitches. All of Collins’ hits were of the infield variety, and he sprayed the ball all over the field in doing so.
Other Highlights: Tim Anderson’s RBI 2B, Adam Eaton’s RBI 3B
Matchup of the Game
Things were getting tight in the sixth inning. After having an 8-1 lead through five innings, Jonathan Stiever relieved Michael Kopech but didn’t experience the same success. He gave up four consecutive hits to start the inning and quickly gave way to Garrett Crochet. The game quickly turned from 8-1 to 8-4 with runners on the corners and two outs for Brock Holt. In a pretty crucial situation, Crochet got Holt looking to retire the side and really secure the win for the White Sox this afternoon.
Player of the Game
Michael Kopech wins our Player of the Game honors this afternoon. While his time might not be now in the starting rotation, it’s coming very, very soon. He’s going to be a force in this league for a very long time.
Next Game
After an off day tomorrow, the White Sox will welcome the Detroit Tigers to town for the first time this season. Lucas Giolito will be back on the mound for the first time in over a week, as he will look to bounce back from a rough outing his last time out. The game will start at 7:10 PM CT over on NBC Sports Chicago.
See you all Tuesday, Sox fans. Let’s keep the streak going.
