A familiar story unfolded for the Chicago White Sox in Thursday's series finale against the Minnesota Twins. The South Siders jumped out to an early 2-0 lead behind starter Michael Soroka. A late barrage of Twins solo homers eventually erased the deficit and propelled them to a 6-3 win. The loss marked the seventh straight defeat for the Pale Hose, who are now 3-22.
The White Sox have etched their name in history, matching the 2022 Cincinnati Reds, 2003 Detroit Tigers, and 1894 Washington Senators for the worst records to start a season. Only the 1988 Baltimore Orioles fared worse, beginning the season 2-23. This is a significant moment for the White Sox, marking their worst start in franchise history.
Can't Cash In
The South Siders got on the board in the second inning when Kevin Pillar's sacrifice fly scored Eloy Jimenez with the bases loaded and no outs. However, Minnesota's starter, Simeon Woods Richardson, stranded the other two runners on base by striking out Paul DeJong and Korey Lee.
DeJong drove in a two-out run in the fourth when his base hit plated Andrew Vaughn, who doubled.
The White Sox loaded the bases again with singles from Lee and Nicky Lopez, but Danny Mendick grounded out to end the threat. Chicago put two runners on with no outs in the eighth, trailing by two runs, but failed to capitalize on the opportunity.
The Sox notched a run in the ninth when Robbie Grossman reached on a fielding error by Carlos Santana, allowing Lopez to score.
Struggling Soroka
Soroka held the Twins to two hits, two walks, and no runs through the first five innings of his afternoon. However, the righty induced only one swing and miss. He faced Minnesota's lineup for the third time in the sixth, and the lead quickly evaporated.
Edouard Julien greeted Soroka with a 2-0 solo homer, and Ryan Jeffers tied the game at two with a first-pitch homer. Tanner Banks relieved the Sox starter and recorded the three sixth-inning outs, but not before three consecutive singles plated another run.
The Twins continued growing their lead with the long ball. Julien homered again in the seventh off John Brebbia, and Carlos Santana and Jose Miranda hit back-to-back homers in the eighth off Steven Wilson.
News and Notes
The White Sox went 0-7 on the road trip with the loss. They're 15 games out of first place in the AL Central and have been outscored by 85 runs.
Mike Clevinger made his first start for the Triple-A Charlotte Knights on Thursday. He tossed 3.1 innings, allowing one run on four hits and two walks. The righty fanned three on 60 pitches.
What's On Tap Next?
The White Sox return home and begin a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. Chris Flexen will start after making two appearances in relief. Zach Eflin will toe the rubber for Tampa Bay. First pitch is at 6:40 PM CT and the game will air on Apple TV+.
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