White Sox’ Struggles Continue: Losses Pile Up
The White Sox’ struggles continued on Friday night, as they fell to the Athletics 2-0 at Guaranteed Rate Field. The loss marked the team’s 115th defeat of the season, and their 16th consecutive loss at home.
The 26,513 fans in attendance had little to cheer about until the ninth inning, when Andrew Vaughn was put on second base by a wild pitch from Athletics closer Mason Miller. Lenyn Sosa had a chance to drive in the Sox’ first run and give them a shot to steal the game, but Miller eventually threw a 101.3 mph fastball that Sosa swung through.
A Glimmer of Hope
The fans came to life after the wild pitch, sensing a glimmer of hope. Sosa battled, working the count to 3-2 and fouling off five pitches during the at-bat. However, Miller’s fastball was too much for Sosa, and the strikeout ended any optimism that the Sox could rally.
Korey Lee proceeded to fly out to second baseman Zack Gelof, securing the A’s victory and the Sox’ 115th loss of the season.
The Path to Avoiding the Record
The Sox need to go 10-4 in their last 14 games to avoid tying the 1962 Mets’ record of 120 losses. Interim manager Grady Sizemore acknowledged the team’s struggles, saying, "We didn’t get any big hits when we needed them."
The pitching and defense largely held up for the Sox, with All-Star left-hander Garrett Crochet throwing four innings of one-run ball. However, the offense is so tepid that on most nights, they’ll need to be perfect to avoid setting the record for most losses in the modern era.
The Breaks Don’t Go the Sox’ Way
The A’s second run came on a softly hit single in the fifth inning by Brent Rooker, a type of break the Sox have seldom gotten this season. In the sixth inning, the Sox caught an unlucky break when a 3-0 count on Andrew Vaughn was called a strike, instead of a bases-loaded situation with one out.
Interim manager Grady Sizemore expressed frustration with the strike call, saying, "You go from bases loaded, one out to two outs and guys on first and second. That puts that pitcher in a tough spot. That got them right back into it."
Conclusion
The White Sox’ struggles are well-documented, and it seems that every break goes against them. With 14 games remaining in the season, the team needs to find a way to get out of their funk and start winning. If they can’t, they risk setting the record for most losses in the modern era.
FAQs
Q: What is the current record for most losses in a season?
A: The 1962 Mets hold the record for most losses in a season with 120.
Q: How many losses do the White Sox need to avoid tying the record?
A: The Sox need to go 10-4 in their last 14 games to avoid tying the record.
Q: What is the team’s current record at home?
A: The White Sox are 0-16 at home this season.
