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White Sox look to avoid making history vs. Red Sox
The Chicago White Sox are in a tough spot as they host the Boston Red Sox for a four-game series starting Thursday. Desperate to snap a 13-game losing streak, which ties a century-old franchise record, the White Sox are fighting to avoid making unwanted history.
Recent Performance and Historical Context
Chicago White Sox’s Struggles
The White Sox have tied the single-season franchise record for consecutive losses set back in 1924. In recent games, they’ve blown significant leads, like their 7-6 loss to the Cubs after being up 5-3 and 5-0 in different games.
Managerial Pressure
Manager Pedro Grifol is staying focused despite rumors about his job security. “That’s part of the job,” Grifol said, acknowledging that winning is the only way to end the speculation.
Offensive and Pitching Woes
- Offense: The White Sox are struggling at the plate, ranking last in MLB in team batting average (.217) and OPS (.615).
- Pitching: They’ve got the highest ERA in the American League (4.94), giving up 295 earned runs compared to scoring just 184.
Pitching Matchups
Boston Red Sox
- Tanner Houck: Houck is set to start with a 5-5 record and a 1.85 ERA. He’s been consistent, pitching at least six innings and allowing no more than one earned run in eight of his 12 starts. Despite his overall success, Houck has struggled against the White Sox, with a 0-3 record and a 5.93 ERA in four games.
Chicago White Sox
- Jake Woodford: The probable starter with a 0-1 record and a 6.23 ERA. Woodford hasn’t faced the Red Sox before, adding an element of unpredictability to the matchup.
Key Players and Performances
Boston Red Sox
- Rafael Devers: Devers homered twice in a recent 9-0 win against the Atlanta Braves and has 13 home runs this season. He’s been in great form, using the whole field and not chasing pitches, making him a major threat at the plate.
Team Performance
Despite strong individual performances, Boston has a 5-7 record in its last 12 games. Manager Alex Cora emphasized the need for consistent performance as they aim to win the series against the White Sox.
Managerial Insights
Pedro Grifol (White Sox)
Grifol is under pressure but remains focused on winning games and improving team performance. He understands that speculation about his job security comes with the territory, especially during a losing streak.
Alex Cora (Red Sox)
Cora stresses the importance of playing better baseball and maintaining consistency. With upcoming series against tough opponents like the Phillies and Yankees, the Red Sox need to build momentum starting with the White Sox series.
Conclusion
The Chicago White Sox are in a critical phase, aiming to break a 13-game losing streak and avoid setting a new franchise record. The Boston Red Sox, led by key players like Tanner Houck and Rafael Devers, aim to capitalize on the White Sox’s struggles and secure a series victory.
