The Chicago White Sox held a 2-0 lead going into the seventh inning but failed to put away the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday. Jesse Scholtens continued his respectable run as a big-league starting pitcher, but Pedro Grifol's decision to relieve him in the seventh inning may have come too late, allowing the Brewers to rally for three runs.
Brewers starter Brandon Woodruff held the White Sox to only two runs on four hits and a walk. He fanned five in 6.1 innings of work. The two runs were almost enough for the White Sox, but Milwaukee eventually broke through and took the lead.
The White Sox got on the board in the third when Elvis Andrus grounded out to plate Gavin Sheets, who led off the inning with a double and advanced to third on Oscar Colas's base hit.
The Lead Won't Last
Yoan Moncada extended the Sox' lead to two when he lit up the scoreboard with a 430-foot homer to center field. Sheets and Moncada accounted for four of the White Sox' five hits and their only walk. The Pale Hose went 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position, marking another lackluster overall performance by the offense.
Scholtens pitched a stellar game once again since taking on a full-time role as a starter following the trades of Lucas Giolito and Lance Lynn. The righty cruised through six innings, allowing three hits and two walks over that span. But trouble brewed in the seventh when Mark Canha walked to lead off the frame followed by a single from Andrew Monasterio.
Grifol Runs Late
Scholtens appeared to be wearing down but recorded an out on a deep fly out by Brice Turang that advanced runners to second and third. Tyrone Taylor doubled and tied the game at two before Pedro Grifol called for reliever Bryan Shaw. Shaw struck out Christian Yelich for the second out before allowing a single to William Contreras, which scored Taylor.
The RBI base knock proved to be the game-winning hit as the South Siders produced only two base runners over the final three innings. Lane Ramsey recorded the final six outs for Chicago, retiring Milwaukee in order.
News and Notes
The White Sox have three top-100 prospects after MLB Pipeline's 2023 midseason update.
Romy Gonzalez had surgery to repair a torn labrum and expects to be ready for spring training.
Liam Hendriks discussed his future following season-ending Tommy John surgery and expressed his desire to remain with the White Sox.
What's On Tap Next?
The White Sox will try to avoid a three-game sweep on Sunday afternoon with Dylan Cease on the bump. Freddy Peralta will toe the rubber for the Brew Crew. First pitch is at 1:10 PM CT and the game will air on NBC Sports Chicago. Sox On Tap will have the postgame show.
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