With the first three games of the series in their back pocket, Chicago looked to complete a sweep of the Tigers today. Lucas Giolito and the offense both rose to the challenge, and the White Sox buried Detroit, 9-0. Patient at-bats and homers from Eloy Jimenez and Tim Anderson led the onslaught.
W: Lucas Giolito (2-2) | L: Spencer Turnbull (2-2)
Notable Performances
Lucas Giolito: 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 13 K, 3 H, 1 BB
Giolito struggled mightily against the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, troubled by first-inning difficulty and command issues. Today was a resounding turnaround, as Gio absolutely dominated the Tigers’ lineup. Matching his career high in punchouts, Gio cruised through the game and even ended things on a 97 mph fastball. Dang.
Lucas Giolito, 12th and 13th Ks.
97mph on his 110th pitch. ? pic.twitter.com/EhYlucNN1l
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 20, 2020
Eloy Jimenez: 3-4, 1 HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, 1 BB
After enduring a bit of a rough stretch in his return from a short injury, Eloy has really turned it on this last week. That trend continued today, as a great showing bodes well for Jimenez going into this weekend’s series vs. his former team, the Cubs. Since Tim Anderson and James McCann don’t technically meet the at-bat qualification, Eloy is the South Siders’ OPS leader at .862.
Tim Anderson: 2-4, 1 HR, 2 R, 1 RBI
How fun has Tim Anderson been to watch? Last year’s batting average champ has done a lot more than hit for average, with his fourth homer in four days. After early season doubts, TA7 has really proven his worth as a premier bat in this lineup.
Other Notables:
Jose Abreu continues to swing a hot bat, recording three hits and two RBI’s. Yoan Moncada walked three times and James McCann notched two hits. Jimmy Cordero pitched two smooth innings in relief of Giolito.
Moment of the Game
This is a tough one, as there’s a lot to choose from, but I’ll go with Tim Anderson’s bomb. Every time he steps up to the plate is a must-watch at-bat, especially against the Tigers, and he pimped another homer today.
Give Tim Anderson the keys to Detroit
— Sweep On 35th (@SoxOn35th) August 20, 2020
Player of the Game
It’s tough to pick one from this explosive offense, so I’ll go with Lucas Giolito. He was absolutely dominant on the mound, and erased any doubts lingering from his previous start. The Sox’s ace pitched like an ace today.
Looking Ahead
Tomorrow at 8:15 pm CT, the Crosstown Classic kicks off with a matchup of marquee veteran arms. Dallas Keuchel (3-2, 3.06 ERA) squares off with Jon Lester (2-0, 2.74 ERA) on NBC Sports Chicago.
Incredible, imo! How can the Sox send Dunning back to Schaumburg after the game he pitched last night?????? He deserves a chance to be the 5th man in the rotation until he shows otherwise.