Tonight was one of the ugliest games of 2020 for the White Sox. Just about everything was off, and this is one they’ll want to forget. In an 8-1 loss, the Sox recorded a season-high four errors and totaled just four hits. Reynaldo Lopez had another brutal outing where he allowed three runs, but only one earned, walking and striking out a pair each. None of the Sox’ arms got any help from the defense. Frankly, it looked like any of the teams from the last five years.
The Twins are a good team, and they are too good to let a six-game losing streak continue; they ended it by winning the last two of the series. The South Siders have now fallen out of first place as Cleveland beat the Royals 5-0. At 22-15, the White Sox are a game behind the Tribe with 23 games left in 2020.
W: Jose Berrios (3-3) | L: Reynaldo Lopez (0-2)
Notable Performances
Yasmani Grandal: 1-for-3, 2B, BB
Grandal’s double was the only spark of the White Sox offense this evening. With the way the Twins hammered the ball, you have to give the opposing catcher credit to hang in there behind the plate all game. That is not easy.
Jose Abreu: 1-for-3, RBI
16 games. That’s what Abreu extended his hit streak to this evening. That is the longest of his career and he continues to have an impressive, MVP level year. He also drove in the Sox lone run.
Moment of the Game
Tonight’s game was very limited in highlights, but I think the most enjoyable part of the game was the discussion between Jason and Steve as they discussed the way this season has allowed to change things in baseball. It was a very interesting conversation. Steve mentioned how this year has proved “you can change the game without killing the game,” which I thought was a great way to describe the 2020 season.
Player of the Game
Jose Abreu continued to stay hot as his loan single extended his hit streak to 16 games. Therefore, he is tonight’s Player of the Game.
Looking Ahead
The White Sox will have to flush this one, as they have a big four game set with the Kansas City Royals at Kaufmann Stadium beginning tomorrow night. Having fallen out of first place, the Sox need to take advantage of these games with a beatable opponent. Tomorrow’s game will feature Dylan Cease on the mound for the White Sox and Danny Duffy for the Royals. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm on NBC Sports Chicago and the MyTeams app.
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I agree with everything PKR said. In addition, last nite’s game was classic White Sox trash performance since 2005. Grandal has been a huge disappointment so far this season. McCann has been a better catcher and hitter every time out versus Grandal. And, then, you bat Grandal in the 2nd or 3rd spot when he is almost an automatic out game after game? This is not quality managing by Renteria by any stretch of the imagination. Lopez needs to be sent to Schaumberg and traded to another another team in the off season. This coaching staff has ruined him and he badly needs a change of scenery, imo. And when Grandal catches, McCann needs to be the DH, not the Parrot. There is more, but I am worn out just thinking about the mismanagement that is going on with team. Renteria needs to be replaced.
It is puzzling that Renteria started Grandal instead of McCann who has very favorable numbers against Berrios. Also, it is time to forego the Nomar experiment in right field and stay with Engel. Maybe after a full spring training session Nomar will display the bat discipline and power hitting he is capable of providing the team. And, how long do the Sox continue with Encarnacion at DH since his performance is disappointing. Finally, both Eloy and Luis are in need of plate discipline which likely will come from more at bats for both.