Pitching was strong for both the White Sox and Brewers, as runs and rallies were relatively scarce. The Brewers got the better of the matchup, largely thanks to a strong outing from Adrian Houser. While the teams did not play the bottom of the ninth inning, we might as well pretend the score is real. After all, the next one counts.
W: David Phelps | L: Carlos Rodon | SV: Mike Morin
Notable Performances
Yasmani Grandal: 0-for-1, BB
Yasmani Grandal put on a pitch framing display behind the plate tonight. With Carlos Rodon on the mound, Grandal stole multiple called third strikes on pitches that were either borderline or out of the zone. At the plate, he put together a nice at-bat against Adrian Houser that ended up with a walk.
Carlos Rodon: 5 IP, 5 H, 3/2 R/ER, 1 BB, 7 K
Grandal’s framing did not upstage Carlos Rodon’s performance; on the contrary, Rodon looked pretty good overall tonight. In the third inning, he worked around a runner on third, one out situation by inducing a ground out and then freezing the great Christian Yelich on a 96 mph fastball. While Yelich later got his revenge with a solo home run, Rodon still had an encouraging outing.
Luis Robert: 1-for-3, 2B, RBI
Luis Robert began the game interestingly by catching a fly ball in right field that was very clearly a ball the right fielder would typically catch. He later hit a 113 mph laser that was unfortunately converted into a nice play by Milwaukee third baseman Jedd Gyorko. In the seventh inning, he made a great catch… and then he didn’t (below). Finally, he ended his night by doubling sharply down the left field line.
Yoan Moncada: 1-for-2, 2B, HBP
Yoan Moncada hit a rocket 106 mph double in an otherwise quiet showing from the White Sox offense. He also made an errant throw on a ground ball that he previously scooped smoothly. One would assume that an understandably rusty Moncada will work out these kinks in the near future. In his final plate appearance, Moncada endured a long battle against Josh Hader that ended up with him getting hit in the foot on a full count.
Moment of the Game
Those who watched or tracked the game might have noticed that Nicky Delmonico was not listed in the notable player section despite hitting a mammoth home run. This is because the home run was both his lone notable moment (and it was a great one) and the highlight of the game for the White Sox.
Player of the Game
In a game without any clear standouts, Carlos Rodon is the best option for tonight’s Player of the Game. His contributions this season will be very important to the club.
Looking Ahead
The next Chicago White Sox game will actually count. On Friday, the Minnesota Twins will come into town for a 7:10 PM CT season-opening showdown. Two talented young starters in Jose Berrios and Lucas Giolito will take the mound.
Be sure to follow us on social media @SoxOn35th for more updates!
Why didn’t they bay in the bottom of the ninth
Simply because it was an exhibition game and the White Sox didn’t see a need in giving the bench/minor league players any more at-bats.