Introduction to the Game
On the day the White Sox unveiled a stadium tribute to Pope Leo XIV — a longtime fan of the team — they might have tested the new pontiff’s faith with another disappointing performance Monday at Rate Field.
Honoring the Pope
Hours before the game, the Sox unveiled a mural honoring the new pope, who had a seat for Game 1 of the 2005 World Series — Section 140, Row 19, Seat 2. That seat will be commemorated later this season.
Disappointing Performance
Then the Sox showed how far they have fallen since their wire-to-wire run to that World Series title when their losing streak reached five games with a 5-1 defeat at the hands of the Mariners.
Game Statistics
After getting swept by the Cubs over the weekend at Wrigley Field, the Sox looked as though they needed a day off Monday, getting just five hits while dropping to 14-34. The Sox didn’t score until a ninth-inning rally.
Strong Pitching Outing
They wasted another strong outing by a starter. Right-hander Davis Martin held the Mariners to two runs and four hits in a career-high 7⅓ innings.
Turning Point of the Game
Cam Booser replaced Martin (2-5) with one on in the eighth. He walked J.P. Crawford and yielded a single to pinch hitter Mitch Garver before Julio Rodriguez connected for his second career grand slam.
Mariners’ Performance
Luis Castillo (4-3) pitched seven strong innings, allowing three hits, striking out five and walking none to earn his first victory since April 26. He retired the last 14 batters he faced and is 2-0 with a 1.71 ERA in four career starts against the Sox.
Final Score
The Sox scored their only run on an RBI single by Andrew Vaughn with two outs in the ninth. Andres Munoz struck out Michael A. Taylor with the bases loaded for his 15th save.
Early Lead for Mariners
The American League West-leading Mariners used three consecutive two-out singles to score their first run in the third. Ben Williamson raced home from second on Jorge Polanco’s grounder into right field.
Polanco’s Record Against the Sox
Polanco is a .273 hitter (106-for-388) with 24 home runs and 73 RBI in 101 career games against the Sox.
Wasted Opportunity
The Sox wasted a prime scoring opportunity in the second. Joshua Palacios hit a leadoff double and moved to third on a grounder by Vaughn. But Austin Slater struck out swinging before Josh Rojas flied out.
Connection to the Pope
It amounted to another loss for the Sox on a day they honored their most famous fan. The Sox and their fans have embraced their connection to the new pope since he was elected. The team said it sent a jersey and a hat to the Vatican after the announcement.
Fan Engagement
Some fans have been dressing as the pope for home games, and there are several T-shirts that celebrate the pope, previously known as Robert Prevost or Father Bob.
Invitation to the Pope
‘‘The pope absolutely has an open invite to come back,’’ Sox marketing chief Brooks Boyer said. “To come sit in Section 140, to throw out a first pitch. Heck, maybe we’ll let him get an at-bat.’
Conclusion
The White Sox’s disappointing performance and loss to the Mariners marked another low point in their season, despite the strong pitching outing by Davis Martin. The team’s connection to the new pope and the unveiling of a stadium tribute could not lift their spirits or change their fortunes on the field.
FAQs
Q: Who did the White Sox honor with a stadium tribute?
A: The White Sox honored Pope Leo XIV, a longtime fan of the team.
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The Mariners won 5-1.
Q: Who pitched a strong outing! for the White Sox?
A: Right-hander Davis Martin held the Mariners to two runs and four hits in a career-high 7⅓ innings.
Q: Who hit a grand slam for the Mariners?
A: Julio Rodriguez connected for his second career grand slam.
