The Chicago White Sox wasted a strong outing from Michael Kopech in the series opener against Kansas City. The offense was lifeless and shut down by Royals starter Daniel Lynch. The Royals took advantage of a couple of mistakes from Kopech to secure a 2-1 victory.
Kopech looked stellar for the most part on Monday night. The big righty kept the Sox in the game during his seven innings of work. He allowed two runs on six hits with one walk and three strikeouts while tossing a career-high 100 pitches.
One of his few mistakes, Kopech hung a curveball to Salvador Perez in the fourth and the Royals’ backstop hit it 452 feet to deep center field. Whit Merrifield added another solo homer in the sixth to make it 2-0. Michael Kopech took the loss, but it was due in part to a lack of support from the White Sox offense.
No Offense
Andrew Vaughn led off the sixth with a double off Lynch. The White Sox’s 4-6 hitters failed to produce a rally. Jose Abreu lined out to second base. After a pitching change, Eloy Jimenez and Yasmani Grandal both grounded out shortstop Maikel Garcia.
The White Sox produced their only run in the seventh when Gavin Sheets plated Leury Garcia on a sacrifice fly. Chicago collected 10 hits, but nine were singles, and Royals pitching issued just one free pass. Lynch relinquished six hits, struck out seven, and walked none in 5.1 innings as he returned from a rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha.
Notes
The White Sox still have yet to win three consecutive games at home this season.
The White Sox acquired left-handed reliever Jake Diekman from Boston in exchange for catcher Reese McGuire and a player to be named later or cash.
Luis Robert was in the Sox clubhouse after a rehab stint at Triple-A Charlotte but was not reactivated from the IL. Manager Tony La Russa said it was unlikely Robert would play in the three-game series against Kansas City.
What’s On Tap Next?
The Chicago White Sox will face the Kansas City Royals and Brad Keller on Tuesday night. The struggling Lucas Giolito will take the bump for the South Siders. NBC Sports Chicago will carry the game beginning at 7:10 PM CT and Sox On Tap will have the postgame show.
Tune in to the Sox On Tap podcast for postgame reaction and further White Sox commentary all season.
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