After a much-needed off day following the series loss to the Oakland Athletics, the White Sox are back home as they began a three-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays.
It was all pitching to begin this one, as both teams were shut out for the first three innings. Lucas Giolito took the mound and put together another solid start to keep the game within reach. After three strong innings, he ran into a bit of trouble with his control, as he allowed two hits and two walks to allow two runs, giving the Blue Jays the lead. He would go on to finish the game strong, pitching two shutout innings in the fifth and sixth innings to complete his day.
At the plate, the White Sox took a bit of time to get rolling. The lineup failed to score any runs through the first five innings and appeared overmatched at the plate. The highlight to begin the game was an Oscar Colas bunt single in his first game back in the majors.
However, things got rolling in the sixth inning, as both Andrew Benintendi and Tim Anderson reached base on singles. Then with one swing of the bat, White Sox All-Star Luis Robert gave the Sox the lead with a monster 450 ft. blast.
Unfortunately, the White Sox were unable to hold the lead for too long, as Joe Kelly gave up a two-run homer to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to give the Blue Jays the lead. The Blue Jays bullpen would go on to shut down the Sox lineup, and the Blue Jays would secure the 4-3 win.
With the loss, the White Sox fall to 37-50. The Twins won their matchup against the Royals, so the Sox now sit seven games back in the AL Central division race.
W: Nate Pearson | L: Joe Kelly | S: Jordan Romano
StatCast Breakdown
Box Score
Offensive Recap:
Pitching Recap:
White Sox Scoring Recap:
- Bottom 6th: Luis Robert homered to left center. Benintendi and Anderson scored. 3-2 White Sox.
Notable Performances
Lucas Giolito: 6.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Lucas Giolito kept this game winnable for the Sox in this outing, as he completed his 10th quality start of the season. The fourth inning was a bit shaky, but he looked locked in for the other five innings of the game.
Luis Robert: 1-for-4, HR, 3 RBI
Luis Robert continues to prove that he earned his place in the 2023 All-Star game, as he gave the Sox the lead in the sixth inning with one swing of the bat.
Oscar Colas: 1-for-4, K
Welcome back, Oscar Colas. The White Sox’s number two prospect got the start in right field in his first game back with the Sox and shocked everyone (possibly even himself) with a bunt single for his first hit in his return to the MLB. Unfortunately, that was the highlight of his day.
Next Matchup
The White Sox are back at it tomorrow as they look to win game two of this three-game series against the Blue Jays. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 CT on NBC Sports Chicago.
Lance Lynn is scheduled to take the mound for the White Sox, and he is expected to match up against Jose Berrios for the Blue Jays.
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Featured Image: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
We should be accustomed to this! When the White Sox get a good starting pitching performance, either the offense fails to come through or the bullpen fails to hold the lead, like Joe Kelly last night! This bullpen is an absolute garbage pile! Luis Robert certainly has earned his spot in the All Star Game, but last night he also popped out with the tying run on third! Failing to come through with runners in scoring position is a recurring theme with the White Sox! People need to give up on the idea that the White Sox have a chance because of the piss poor division! To make up the deficit requires a winning streak, which is beyond this team’s ability!