A lot didn’t go as expected, but it all ended well for the White Sox on Wednesday night in a 6-4 victory over Minnesota at home, marking their first series win of the year. In a game that featured a disappointing Dylan Cease start, a homer for the slumping Luis Robert Jr., a bases-loaded no-out escape, and a Billy Hamilton magic trick, Chicago emerged on top. Oh yeah, Tim Anderson also got on base four times, but is that really all that crazy?
Things started well for the hosts in the first with a two-out, three-run shot by Robert Jr. off Twins depth starter Louie Varland. In classic Sox fashion, though, the offense went relatively quiet for the next five innings. They registered just one run on a single by Tim Anderson, who would finish with three singles to right field and a walk. Dylan Cease, meanwhile, struggled to maintain the lead. Minnesota would tie the game in the third behind back-to-back doubles by stars Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa, then surge ahead with a Nick Gordon homer just the next inning before Anderson’s knock.
Déjà vu would strike, though, as Eloy Jimenez once again supplied a go-ahead (ultimately game-winning) hit in the seventh inning to bring the South Siders up 5-4. As alluded to, Billy Hamilton then increased the lead in the bottom of the eighth by scoring from second on a ground ball out to the shortstop. You read that correctly.
In a pleasant surprise, the Sox bullpen did a masterful job in relief of Dylan Cease. Aaron Bummer first got a couple outs, but one frame later Gregory Santos would find himself with the bases packed and no outs after three soft singles. Unintimidated by the heart of the Twins order, Santos, with Anderson’s help, quickly retired Buxton and Correa on two soft grounders. Trevor Larnach would strike out on a 3-2 count to complete the El Dúque tribute, as Santos’ ERA dropped to 1.62.
Kendall Graveman and Keynan Middleton were tasked with seeing things out in the last two innings, and delivered with just one base-runner allowed between the pair. Middleton earned his first save of the year, and Santos his first win of his career. On a sad note, the Sox saw Jake Burger succumb to side discomfort midway through the game.
As is, the White Sox are 10-21. One step at a time, folks.
W: Gregory Santos (1-0) | L: Griffin Jax (1-3) | S: Keynan Middleton (1)
StatCast Breakdown
Box Score
Offensive Recap:
Pitching Recap:
White Sox Scoring Recap:
- Bottom 1st: Luis Robert homers to center field. Tim Anderson scores. Eloy Jimenez scores. 3-0 White Sox.
- Bottom 4th: Tim Anderson singles to right field. Gavin Sheets scores. 4-4.
- Bottom 7th: Eloy Jimenez singles to left field. Andrew Benintendi scores. 5-4 White Sox.
- Bottom 10th: Elvis Andrus grounds out to shortstop. Billy Hamilton scores. 6-4 White Sox.
Notable Performances
Dylan Cease: 5 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
Despite an Opening Day gem against the Astros, Cease now finds himself with a 4.58 ERA on the season. He’s only made it past the fifth inning twice this year, but at least he limited the damage enough for his lineup’s liking tonight.
Tim Anderson: 3-for-4, 1 BB, 1 RBI, 1 R
Every time Tim Anderson comes back from injury, it feels like he immediately has one of these games—all opposite field, all the time baby! In addition, his walk continues an encouraging trend of plate discipline to start his 2023 campaign.
Eloy Jimenez: 2-for-4, 1 RBI
No homers tonight for the Big Baby, but he’s earning the clutch label so far. Back-to-back nights with go-ahead hits in the seventh inning will hopefully keep him energized moving forward.
Yasmani Grandal: 3-for-4
We won’t talk about his base-running abilities, but Grandal is a much-improved hitter to date.
Other Game Highlights
Next Matchup
If you’d believe it, the White Sox are going for a series sweep tomorrow afternoon! Lucas Giolito will look to keep his momentum going, as he takes on Pablo Lopez of the Twins.
Get ready for a 1:10 PM CT start broadcast on NBC Sports Chicago.
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Featured Image: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
