Early Power Surge Dooms White Sox Again as Orioles Capitalize on Clevinger's Struggles in Dramatic Finish

The Baltimore Orioles delivered a crushing blow to the Chicago White Sox, capitalizing on Mike Clevinger’s struggles. Despite an early lead, the Sox faltered as Clevinger allowed a game-tying homer in the fourth and a three-run shot shortly after. Baltimore’s relentless 13-hit attack racked up eight runs, with standout performances from Adley Rutschman and Jorge Mateo. 

The White Sox mounted a ninth-inning comeback, loading the bases with no outs, but a bizarre interference call ended their hopes in dramatic fashion, sealing another tough defeat for Chicago. 

Baltimore's 6:40 Tee Time

Chicago took a flyer on Clevinger after the righty remained unsigned throughout most of the spring. The plan to bring in the veteran to provide stability to the back end of their rotation has produced dismal results. Manager Pedro Grifol lifted his starter after 98 pitches and two outs in the fifth. Clevinger is 0-3 in four starts with a 6.75 ERA in 16 innings pitched.

Anthony Santander greeted Clevinger with a solo homer in the fourth to tie the game. Ryan Mountcastle and Cedric Mullins reached base with back-to-back singles. That is when Jorge Matteo launched a three-run homer to put the Orioles ahead for good.

Rutschman added three RBIs on a two-out base hit to get Baltimore on the board in the third and delivered a two-out bases-loaded single that plated two runs. Austin Hayes followed with a single in the next at-bat, driving in Baltimore's eighth and final run.

Bad Luck Or No Luck

Despite the tough defeat, the Pale Hose fought back in the bottom of the ninth inning before a bizarre ending. Orioles reliever Jonathan Heasley walked the innings's first two hitters. Tommy Pham plated the first run with a single to center. Nicky Lopez, hitless in his first four at-bats, singled to load the bases. Yennier Cano relieved Heasley and plunked Andrew Vaughn.

Gavin Sheets, who was 0-1 with three walks, singled through the infield's right side and scored two more runs.