For the second time this season, the White Sox have swept a doubleheader! With Carlos Rodon and Dylan Cease leading the show on the mound, the White Sox sent the Tigers packing to scores of 3-1 and 11-0. Leury Garcia was the hero in game one, pushing across a go-ahead two-run single in the fifth to put the Sox in the lead for good, while the entire offense backed an incredibly sharp Dylan Cease in game two. Yoan Moncada and Yermin Mercedes both left the yard in game two, and Andrew Vaughn laced a couple doubles in an all-around great effort from the offense. With the two wins, the White Sox improved to 14-10 on the season.
Game 1 – W: Carlos Rodon (4-0) | L: Casey Mize (1-3) | S: Liam Hendriks (5)
Game 2: W: Dylan Cease (1-0) | L: Matthew Boyd (2-3)
Savant Leaders
Notable Performances
Carlos Rodon (Game 1): 6 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 12 K, 23 Swinging Strikes
Carlos Rodon was absolutely masterful this afternoon, and he made quick work of the Tigers all afternoon. 23 swinging strikes is rather impressive, especially just over the course of six innings. Rodon ends the month of April 4-0 with a 0.72 ERA, and by all accounts, will be named AL Pitcher of the Month in a few days.
Dylan Cease: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 9 K, 16 Swinging Strikes
In career start 31, Dylan Cease looked incredible. 71% of his first pitches went for strikes, and because of it, he was able to work beautifully off of his offspeed pitches all night. The most important thing for Dylan Cease’s success is strike one. If he can get it with his fastball, curveball, and slider – as he was doing tonight – there’s no reason he can’t reach his ceiling on this team.
Andrew Vaughn (Both Games): 3-for-6, BB, 2 2B
Andrew Vaughn continues to take leaps forward in his development, and he added three more hits today. Vaughn raised his season numbers to .273/.385/.386 with a 129 wRC+. With more at-bats, he’s coming along too, folks. Give it some time.
Yoan Moncada (Both Games): 3-for-6, HR, 3 RBI, BB, K
Yoan Moncada had a monster game in game two today, registering two hits, including a line drive rocket in the White Sox’ seven-run fifth inning. Moncada continues to work out of his early-season slump, with his slash line raised to .272/.375/.420 with a 134 wRC+. Here he comes, folks…
Leury Garcia (Both Games): 3-for-6, 5 RBI
I haven’t been kind to Leury Garcia in recent days – especially today. However, Garcia was an extremely critical part of both wins for the White Sox, driving in the two go-ahead runs in game one and adding three more RBIs in the nightcap. Hopefully, with this increased playing time, Garcia will be able to play a pivotal role off the bench for the White Sox throughout the season.
Jose Abreu (Both Games): 2-for-6, BB, 2 RBI
Jose Abreu continues to grind through his own slump while still providing value. He now has 19 RBIs on the season after adding two more in tonight’s game. As Jose Abreu continues to get going this season, the offense will naturally get going with him.
Yermin Mercedes (Game Two): 1-for-4, HR
Mercedes only had one hit all night, but oh man is it worth posting about:
Players of the Game
I’m usually pretty partial to pitchers – and I think I’m going to remain that way this evening. The White Sox’ offense did their job both game; however, Carlos Rodon and Dylan Cease set the tone on the mound. The White Sox will now head into their next series with some rested bullpen arms, having only used Liam Hendriks for one quick inning today. Here’s hoping the rotation continues to do its thing – it’s been great to watch thus far.
Looking Ahead
The White Sox will get back to work tomorrow evening in an intriguing matchup against the Cleveland Indians. Dallas Keuchel will head to the mound and face the reigning AL Cy Young Shane Beiber, who shut down the White Sox in his last duel with Lucas Giolito. The game will start at 7:10 PM CT and will be viewable on NBC Sports Chicago.
