White Sox Wrap Up Record-Breaking Losing Season with 9-5 Win over Playoff-Bound Tigers
A Five-Run Lead Secures the Win
Lenyn Sosa hit a three-run homer in the third inning to give the record-breaking Chicago White Sox a five-run lead as they went on to beat the playoff-bound Detroit Tigers 9-5 on Sunday. Kerry Carpenter’s grand slam in the fifth inning pulled Detroit within a run, but it couldn’t get closer. Bryan Ramos’ two-run single in a four-run seventh inning restored Chicago’s comfortable cushion.
Tigers Earn AL Wild Card, Head to Houston for Playoff Series
Detroit earned an American League wild card with a win over the White Sox on Friday night to end a decade-long playoff drought and will play at Houston on Tuesday in a best-of-three series, with the winner facing Cleveland in the AL Division Series. Manager A.J. Hinch, who was fired by the Astros in 2020 after being suspended by Major League Baseball for the team’s illicit use of electronics to steal signs, expressed confidence in his team’s chances.
White Sox Owner Takes Responsibility for Dismal Season
The White Sox wrapped up with 121 losses, breaking the post-1900 record of most losses held for more than a half-century by the 1962 New York Mets. The overall record for setbacks was set in 1899 by the Cleveland Spiders with a 20-134 record. White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf called the season “embarrassing” and a “failure” and took responsibility in a letter issued to fans during the game.
Players Show Resilience Despite Dismal Season
Chicago won 41 games — 20 fewer than last season — after ending with five wins in six games for the team’s best stretch of success since early May. The White Sox fired manager Pedro Grifol in early August and promoted Grady Sizemore to interim manager. “It would be so easy in a season like this to have a lot of negativity and a lot of back and forth and bickering and fighting, but there hasn’t been any of that,” Sizemore said. “They’ve stayed together as a family. That’s what’s made it fun for everybody even though we got the wins and losses.”
Pitching Performance
Jonathan Cannon (5-10) allowed four runs on four hits and three walks over five innings when Chicago’s season mercifully came to a close. Kenta Maeda (3-7) gave up five runs on five hits and one walk over 4 2/3 innings in his latest shaky performance.
Conclusion
The White Sox may have wrapped up their record-breaking losing season, but they showed resilience and determination in their final week of play. While the season was a disappointment, the team’s camaraderie and fight could be a positive sign for the future.
Up next
The White Sox will play the Cubs on Feb. 22 in their spring training opener. The Tigers will play the Astros on the road in a three-game series, starting Tuesday.
FAQs
Q: How many losses did the White Sox have this season?
A: The White Sox had 121 losses this season, breaking the post-1900 record for most losses.
Q: Who did the Tigers earn their AL wild card against?
A: The Tigers earned their AL wild card with a win over the White Sox on Friday night.
Q: What is the Tigers’ schedule for the playoffs?
A: The Tigers will play the Astros on the road in a three-game series, starting Tuesday, with the winner facing Cleveland in the AL Division Series.
