The White Sox preserved in extra innings to secure a wild 7-6 victory over the Orioles.
The Chicago White Sox found a way on a tumultuous Saturday afternoon on the South Side. The Sox got off to a floundering 5-9 start and we’re at risk of losing their fourth straight. But they were able to stop the bleeding with an exciting victory while the season is still young.
"You are going to go through skids and our's happen to be earlier, You saw a lot of fight out there and a lot of guys coming through in big moments. Hopefully, we can get that going," Burger said.
Aside from Luis Robert, every White Sox starter collected a hit. None were more significant than Jake Burger's game-tying two-run homer and Oscar Colas's walk-off single in the tenth. And Yasmani Grandal's third hit, a 10th-inning game-tying RBI blooper, set the stage for Colas.
Walk-Off Ice Bath
In the final frame, Seby Zavala pinch-ran for Grandal, who reached second after pinch-runner Romy Gonzalez beat the throw home on Grandal's blooper. With the game tied, Burger almost walked it off on a base hit in the following at-bat, but Zavala held at third. However, the backup backstop had no problem scoring when Colas tattooed the wall in right field with Logan Gillaspie's first offering.
A Rocky Day
The White Sox pitching staff issued 10 free passes, allowed 10 hits, six earned runs, and two solo homers. The starting pitchers have compiled an ERA of 2.02 over the last six games, but with little help from the relief crew and cold bats, Chicago has little to show for it.
Pale Hose starter Michael Kopech could have been better, but he pitched over command issues and the resulting traffic on the bases. As a result, the promising young righty exited the game with a runner on base - who scored the go-ahead run - and in line for a loss. However, despite four walks, two solo homers, and six hits allowed, Kopech's effectiveness in his five innings gave the White Sox a chance.
"I felt good with the fastball and the slider for the most part. They were the only two pitches I was able to utilize today. It's tough with a four-pitch mix, but I had to eliminate two of them to pitch with just my strengths, It's going to be more of a grind day and that's what today was," said Kopech.
Lack of Relief
White Sox relievers had another long day which has become all too common this year. Jimmy Lambert earned the win despite allowing an unearned run in the tenth. Kendall Graveman allowed a run in the seventh when he walked pinch-hitter Ryan O'hearn with the bases loaded. Recently promoted lefty Tanner Banks provided some help when he induced a double play from Adley Rutschman after throwing six straight balls to start his outing. Keynan Middleton and Aaron Bummer allowed each allowed an inherited runner to score.
In all, the bullpen allowed five hits and issued six free passes, but White Sox hitters did enough damage to prevail 7-6
News and Notes
White Sox pitching issued 10 walks in the game and a total of 19 in the two games so far.
Michael Kopech's outing raised Chicago's starters' ERA to 2.02 over the last six games. The White Sox own a 2-4 record during that period.
Kendall Graveman plunked Ramón Urías in the seventh. Urías did not return to the game and was helped off the field by trainers.
MLB teams celebrated Jackie Robinson, and all players wore the number 42 in his honor.
What's On Tap Next?
The White Sox and Orioles will play the rubber match of the three-game set on the South Side at 1:10 PM CT on Sunday. Chicago ace Dylan Cease will take the mound as the White Sox will look to win their first series of the year. The Pale Hose are 3-0 thus far in Cease's starts. The game will air on NBC Sports Chicago and Sox On Tap will follow with the postgame show.
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