Dylan Cease regressed back to his erratic form today, but the White Sox’ offense made up for his short outing, clinching the series finale after two frustrating ballgames to start the series. With the win, the White Sox surpassed their 2018 season win total.
W: Josh Osich (2-0) L: Jaime Barria (4-8)
The Good
Danny Mendick: 2-for-5, HR (1), RBI; First Career Home Run
Jose Abreu: 1-for-2, HR (31), RBI, 3 BB
James McCann: 2-for-4, RBI
The Bad
Adam Engel: 0-for-4
Dylan Cease: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 5 BB, 4 K, 11 Swinging Strikes
Moment of the Game
As a Danny Mendick stan, this is an easy one for me. His story is one of complete perseverance, and it makes him super easy to root for as a result. Keep on hitting, Danny, and earn yourself a roster spot next year!
Runner Up for this award is Ryan Cordell for his cool catch in the ninth inning after jumping into the netting.
Stats On 35th: Let’s Break this one down By the Numbers
Today’s Numbers:
20.0/-8.1, 600, 22, 11, 63
20.0/-8.1
Today’s MVP and LVP, in terms of Win Probability Added (WPA) are Josh Osich (20.0%) and Yoan Moncada (-8.1%). Josh Osich delivered 2.2 really solid innings out of the bullpen, ensuring the White Sox would not suffer too much from Cease’s short outing. Moncada, meanwhile, didn’t have his best day at the plate, but he did stroke a double in the bottom of the eighth.
600
With his home run this afternoon, Jose Abreu recorded his 600th RBI of his career. He also sits just 10 home runs behind Magglio Ordonez for the 5th most in White Sox history. It has been quite the run of milestones for Abreu recently.
22
With his home run today, Danny Mendick became the first 22nd round draft pick of the White Sox to hit a home run in the major leagues. This is helped in part by the fact that he is just the third Sox’ 22nd round draft pick to make the majors, and the first hitter to do so. But, hey, facts are facts. Congratulations to an incredibly story of perseverance.
11
Today was the first game of Dylan Cease’s career in which he did not allow a home run, breaking a streak of 11 consecutive starts to start his career (which was a record). However, he only lasted 3.1 innings, so all was not well today for Cease.
63
Today was the 63rd win for the White Sox on the season. This ensures two things: 1) they officially passed their season win total from last year, and 2) they will not lose 100 games on the season. Hopefully some more measurable progress can be made over these next few weeks.
The Series Ahead: Off Day, Then a Royal Series
Tuesday: Ivan Nova (9-12, 4.69 ERA) vs. Jakob Junis (9-12, 4.94 ERA), 7:10 PM CT
Wednesday: Reynaldo Lopez (9-12, 5.17 ERA) vs. Glenn Sparkman, 7:10 PM CT
Thursday: Lucas Giolito (14-8, 3.27 ERA) vs. Jose Lopez (3-7. 6.23 ERA), 1:10 PM CT
Player of the Game
Wide open board here today! Will we see a new face like Danny Mendick join the rankings? VOTE!
