The Chicago White Sox dropped their third straight game, allowing the Kansas City Royals to clinch the weekend four-game series. Chicago notched only three hits and went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position in Saturday's defeat. Chris Flexen improved in his second White Sox start, but a two-run homer by MJ Melendez was all Kansas City needed in the win.
Flexen's day began with two Royals singles, but the righty retired the next 12 hitters he faced. He lasted 6.1 innings, his longest outing since July 4, 2022, surrendering six hits and two walks.
Jordan Leasure relieved Flexen in the sixth with Nick Loftin on base. Dairon Blanco pinch-ran and reached third after back-to-back singles from Garrett Hampson and Kyle Isbel. Maikel Garcia drove in the third and final run on an infield single.
The Blunder
Melendez's homer occurred oddly when Dominic Fletcher, filling in for the injured Luis Robert Jr., lept for the ball, which bounced off the wall and his glove before clearing the fence. White Sox skipper Pedro Grifol admitted postgame he should've asked for a review, which could have overturned the homer into a ground-rule double due to the ball hitting the wall first.
"From our angle, it looked like the ball hit the glove and went out," Grifol said. "So, I didn't go out there. But after looking at it, I should have."
Michael Wacha dominated Chicago hitters, allowing just two hits and a walk while fanning eight. Kansas City's bullpen entered the series with the highest ERA in MLB but has tossed seven scoreless innings in the series.
News and Notes
The White Sox expectedly moved Luis Robert Jr. to the 10-day IL with a hip flexor strain.
Chicago recalled infielder Lenyn Sosa and traded reliever Alex Speas to the Oakland Athletics for cash.
What's On Tap Next?
The Pale Hose try to avoid a sweep in Sunday's matinee. Garrett Crochet will take the hill against Kansas City's Alec Marsh in the series finale. First pitch is at 1:10 PM CT and will air on NBC Sports Chicago.
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