White Sox Seek Series Win Behind Shane Smith After Surprising 1-0 Victory Over Mariners

Somehow, some way, the Chicago White Sox only needed one run to beat the Seattle Mariners in Game 2 of their three-game set. Fresh off the scrap heap, Adrian Houser turned in an unexpected gem, giving the Sox quality innings they desperately needed. 

Despite its usual flair for the dramatic, the bullpen managed to hang on, and a third-inning RBI single from Joshua Palacios stood as the game's only run. Hard to believe, but we'll absolutely take it.

The unlikely 1-0 victory gives the White Sox a chance to do something wild: win a series. And not just any series—this would be their fourth series win in their last six.

Shane Smith Gets the Ball With Familiar Hope, Familiar Problems

This afternoon, the Sox send their best starting pitcher to the mound in rookie Shane Smith. Smith's last outing, a frustrating start against their crosstown rivals, saw five unearned runs cross the plate thanks to defensive miscues. It's a story White Sox fans know too well: Smith pitches well enough to win, but between the gloves and the bats, the support rarely shows up. 

Today, maybe the baseball gods give him a break. Smith will face a Mariners lineup that's never seen him, which could work in his favor. 

On the other side, Seattle starter Logan Evans will have the same luxury as the 24-year-old is making just his fifth big league start. The only stat worth noting in the minuscule sample size is the two home runs he's allowed vs. right-handed hitters.

What's On Tap Next?

So, can the Sox string together enough walks and bloops to score a few runs? Or better yet, are they due for one of their completely inexplicable eight-run outbursts? Either way, Smith will need the bullpen to hold, the gloves to behave, and the offense to show the tiniest pulse. Not too much to ask.