White Sox Leave Season-High Stranded On Base In Loss
The White Sox had scoring chances in the ninth, tenth, and 11th inning and could not cash in on any of them. They stranded a total of seven runners on the base paths in the final three innings. Just one run in the ninth or tenth inning would have won them the game.
Missed Opportunites
When the dust settled, the White Sox had left a season-high 14 men stranded on base and finished the game 1-for-16 at the plate. That is not going to get it done in crunch time.
A prime example was Hanser Alberto’s at-bat in the tenth inning. With the bases loaded and one out, he was hit in the right forearm by a pitch from Brock Stewart. This should have ended the game, but Alberto swung at the pitch resulting in a strikeout. Elvis Andrus continued the trend of no clutch hitting by striking out to end an embarrassing inning for the South Siders.
“I didn’t mean to swing,” said Alberto, who, for some reason, was smiling after the loss, “I know it was a fastball because, after two sliders, I said, ‘OK, maybe fastball coming,’ and I was ready. I meant to get away, but I didn’t know how to get away.
“The ball got right on me, but it’s part of the game. It’s tough. It was a reflex. Should be a hit-by-pitch and win the ballgame right there.”
Hamilton’s Flaws Exposed
The flaws in Billy Hamilton’s game were also exposed when he pinch-ran for Andrew Vaughn after a leadoff walk in the eighth inning. He stole second base, then advanced to third base on a wild pitch.
However, 90 feet from home would be the closest he would get. Eloy Jimenez, Adam Haseley, and Alberto all grounded out to end the inning.
That came back to bite the White Sox since Hamilton was forced to hit in two huge situations. He popped out on a bunt in the ninth inning and struck out in the tenth inning to squander both of them.
Anderson’s Defense Is Still A Problem
The offense wasn’t the only issue. Tim Anderson opened the floodgates to a five-run 12th inning with a fielding error to allow the go-ahead run.
Jose Miranda hit a routine-looking two-hopper right to Anderson. He got distracted by Trevor Larnach dashing to third and just missed the ball.
“He was going to third base, which was good,” Pedro Grifol said when asked about the miscue that allowed Trevor Larnach to score from second. “That last hop, the ball just kind of top-spinned right at him.
“That was the correct mindset there, get the out at third base. I thought he reacted well, but the ball just took a top spin.”
Anderson wasn’t even in the starting lineup, but due to a flurry of moves ended up with three at-bats.
Wasted Another Good Starting Pitching Effort
Lucas Giolito was given an early two-run lead in the third inning, and that was all he needed. The right-hander tossed seven innings, allowing just one run on two hits, with seven strikeouts.
It was a missed opportunity to draw just six games back of the Twins despite starting the season with just ten wins in their first 31 games. However, given how bad the White Sox have looked, this series was considered a success.
“This series was definitely a step in the right direction,” said Giolito, who struck out seven and allowed one run on two hits and three walks in seven innings. “I would have liked to have had this game. I felt like we were right there.
“It always stings a little bit when you lose one like this. I like to see us winning a series. I want to see a lot more of that. Maybe mix in some sweeps, and then we’re right back in it. I like the trajectory we’re on. I like where the clubhouse is at. We’re having fun. It’s just a matter of continuing to put those things together.”