Sosa’s Power, Burke’s Grit Push White Sox Past D-Backs in Game 81

Miguel Vargas worked a walk, stole second, and trotted home when Teel lined a game-tying single to center.

From there, Burke settled in. He didn't record a single 1-2-3 inning, but he kept Arizona off the scoreboard for the rest of his day. In five innings, he allowed five hits, two walks, and zero earned runs while striking out seven.

Sosa, Teel, and Friends Light Up the Diamondbacks

With the game tied in the fourth, Sosa stepped in with two outs and did what Naylor did earlier — but louder. His two-run shot gave the Sox their first lead of the day. 

In the sixth, Teel bounced a ground-rule double into the seats in right-center field, and Sosa brought him home with an opposite-field single.

In the seventh, Chase Meidroth, 0-for-3 with three groundouts to that point, lifted a sac fly to center, cashing in Michael A. Taylor to stretch the lead. Then in the eighth, Sosa struck again with a solo shot, his second of the game. He's not an All-Star, but he's definitely not an afterthought anymore.

The Sox collected 12 hits in total, three apiece from Sosa, Teel, and Tauchman. 

Tyler Alexander, Grant Taylor, and Steven Wilson handled the final four innings of work, allowing just one unearned run courtesy of two defensive errors. Because, of course, there were two defensive errors, but Taylor worked two innings and did this.

News and Notes

The White Sox announced the details of their plans to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their World Series Championship on the weekend of July 11-13.

After a fan was ejected for hurling offensive remarks at Arizona second baseman Ketel Marte, the White Sox responded by posting a message of support on the video board. The crowd gave Marte a round of applause. 

The fan earned an indefinite ban from all 30 MLB stadiums, which should give them plenty of time to think about their life choices.

Luis Robert Jr. checked out of the game after the top of the first inning with hamstring tightness. Austin Slater replaced him.

What's On Tap Next?

The Sox hit the unofficial halfway point of the season with an official 26–55 record. After a Thursday off-day, they'll host the San Francisco Giants for a three-game set beginning Friday night. Aaron Civale takes the mound for the Sox against Giants righty Landen Roupp. 

First pitch is at 6:40 PM CT and airs on CHSN.