The Chicago White Sox have a four-game losing streak after being swept at home by the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds scored 27 runs in the three-game weekend series, and 21 of them came with two outs. Chicago allowed 11 runs in two of the three games and was shut out in the other while being outscored 27-5. The White Sox are 2-13 and are off to their worst start in franchise history.
Michael Soroka made his third start since joining the White Sox and struggled again, allowing five runs on five hits and six walks in 4.2 innings. He tossed 91 pitches, 48 for strikes, and allowed a two-run homer to Christian Encarnacion-Strand in the Reds' four-run third inning.
Tanner Banks relieved Soroka with a runner on base, and Nick Martini greeted the lefty with a two-run homer to right field.
From Bad to Worse to the Worst
The White Sox' meager offense plated a pair of runs in the fourth and seventh innings. Dominic Fletcher singled to score Andrew Vaughn from second base. Fletcher then scored on right fielder Jake Fraley's fielding miscue.
Andrew Benintendi drove in a run with a seventh-inning bases-loaded single that barely missed being a grand slam. Gavin Sheets drove in Chicago's fourth and final run with a sacrifice fly with one out.
Chicago's supposed improved defense didn't help matters in the contest. Robbie Grossman and Andrew Benintendi committed fielding errors that led to four unearned runs.
"We need to relax and play baseball,” Sox manager Pedro Grifol said, “and enjoy this game as opposed to putting everything on our shoulders as individuals and think that we're the one that are going to fit it. We fix this as a team.”
News and Notes
The White Sox will call up pitching prospect Nick Nastrini to start Monday's series opener at home vs. the Kansas City Royals.
Reports indicate the White Sox will soon add veteran outfielder Tommy Pham to the club.
The South Siders haven't announced their starters for games two and three against the Royals, but Erick Fedde figures to take the ball at some point.
What's On Tap Next?
The White Sox are struggling to get their season on track to some semblance of respectability. Their next opponent, the 10-4 Royals, previously swept the White Sox in a four-game series. Led by their dominant starting pitching, the Royals present a big challenge for the South Siders' dreadful offense.
Nastrini will make his MLB debut against Seth Lugo, who held the Pale Hose to one run over 6.2 innings in their last meeting. Monday's game begins at 6:40 PM CT and will air on NBC Sports Chicago.
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