The White Sox have locked up at least a series win, with a chance at a sweep tonight, with a 4-0 victory over the north siders.
The White Sox were smooth sailing early after a first inning 2-RBI double off the bat of Yoan Moncada to get an early lead, then Carlos Rodon was every bit of his Cy Young worthy pitcher with nine K’s in the first four innings and 11 in his five innings of work. It was then a pair of insurance run homers to support the bullpen, back-to-back, off the bats of Cesar Hernandez and Jose Abreu that put the game away. Hernandez has homered twice in as many games, now with 20 on the year, and Abreu has homered in two of the last three games.
As of now, the White Sox are 65-46, and currently have a 10.5-game lead over the second place Indians.
W: Carlos Rodon (9-5) | L: Adbert Alzolay (4-12)
Savant Leaders
Notable Performances
Carlos Rodon: 5 IP, 2H, 0R, 2BB, 11K
When you have an outing such as Rodon supplied, and an early lead, you’re tough to beat. Rodon is one of the lead candidates for the AL Cy Young, and today he showed why. The way he was managed was also well done — Rodon had 11 strikeouts in five innings, while the Sox record for single-game strikeouts is 16. It’s easy to think La Russa would leave him in and save the pen, but with all the injuries he’s had and the hot/humid day, it was good to play things safe.
Cesar Hernandez: 2-for-4, 2R, RBI, HR
The sneakiest of MLB trade deals this summer may have been the White Sox bringing in Hernandez. He came here with 18 homers, and now he has 20 with one in each of the last two games. Not to mention, he has a pretty solid glove.
Yoan Moncada: 1-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI, K
Yoan Moncada got the party started in the top of the first inning, driving the ball off the center field wall for a two-run double. Moncada has been struggling as of late, but with two hits in the past two games, here’s hope that the star 3B can get things back on the right track.
Aaron Bummer: 1.0 IP, H, K
Aaron Bummer being back, and not just back, but BACK to the Bummer we know he can be, is huge for the Sox. Not only do they already have a slam-the-door bullpen, but La Russa’s options open up exponentially with how he manages his starters and bullpen.
Next Game
The White Sox can lock up a sweep tonight at Wrigley. The matchup features Dylan Cease, coming off a career game last Monday against KC, and Zach Davies.
The game will air at 6:08 pm CT, broadcasted nationally, on ABC/ESPN.
