White Sox Notebook: Series Split with Boston, Better Offense, Looming Rookie Hopeful

The Chicago White Sox sought a series victory on Sunday afternoon against the Boston Red Sox. After an early one-run deficit, the White Sox sprung ahead for the lead and carried the momentum into the second half of the game.

However, the game followed a similar script we've seen far too often of late. The lead slipped away from Pale Hose relievers, resulting in a 6-4 defeat in extra innings. The Red Sox got on the board on a run-scoring double-play after Jarren Duran's fourth-inning leadoff triple. However, Boston made three errors in the bottom half of the inning, and the Sox took advantage with Paul DeJong's three-run homer.

White Sox starter Chris Flexen allowed two runs in his five innings of work. The second run came on David Hamilton's solo homer in the fifth. The Red Sox tied it at three on Garrett Cooper's RBI groundout, scoring Duran from third. Sammy Peralta made his 2024 White Sox debut, walking Duran to lead off the inning.

A double by Corey Julks, who had two hits, and an RBI single by Gavin Sheets put the White Sox ahead in the seventh. However, with runners on first and second and one out, they failed to add additional runs.

Sound Familiar?

Tanner Banks entered the game in the ninth with Michael Kopech and Jordan Leasure unavailable. Hamilton struck again with a leadoff double and scored on former White Sox catcher Reese McGuire's sacrifice fly after stealing third.

The game unraveled in the 10th inning when Michael Soroka dropped Andrew Vaughn's throw while covering first base. Ghost runner Ceddanne Rafaela advanced to third on the play, and Duran stole second. Both runners scored on Jamie Westbrook's fly ball and Rob Refsnyder's single. Cam Booser retired the White Sox to end the game.

The Better Days

The good news, if you want to call it that, is that the South Siders split the four-game series with the Red Sox. After an embarrassing franchise record-setting 14th consecutive loss in the series opener, the White Sox pulled off a couple of victories.

Garrett Crochet, three homers, and a strong performance from Jonathan Cannon stopped the bleeding on Friday. Luis Robert Jr. set the tone in the first inning with a solo homer to center field.

DeJong continued his hot streak with an RBI single in the fourth to even the score at two.

Oscar Colas plated the go-ahead runs in the following at-bat with a two-run single.

In the sixth, Andrew Vaughn and Sheets extended the lead to four with back-to-back leadoff homers. DeJong added another run with a double that scored Sheets in the eighth.

Crochet tossed six innings, allowing just one earned run while fanning 10 and walking two. The recently recalled Cannon three-hit the Carmines over the game's final three innings, earning the save.

A Pleasant Suprise

In Saturday's contest, the White Sox won convincingly, 6-1, on the strength of Sheets's grand slam in the fifth inning.

DeJong connected on a solo homer in the seventh, extending the lead to five.

Starter Nick Nastrini, who was sent down to Triple-A on Sunday, battled his command but surrendered only two hits over 4.1. One of the two hits left the premises — a solo homer from Bobby Dalbec.

Banks relieved the rookie starter with runners on the corners. He picked off Duran and struck out Westbrook, halting Boston's potential rally. John Brebbia and Leasure pitched scoreless seventh and eighth innings, respectively, striking out four and allowing just one hit.

Kopech created some drama in the ninth, loading the bases with a hit and two walks. But the righty escaped by striking out Rafaela and Durran, sealing the victory.

News and Notes

After Sunday's loss, Pedro Grifol spoke to the media about some questionable tactical decisions. The White Sox skipper sent catcher Martin Maldonado, currently hitting below .100, to hit for himself in run-scoring opportunities in the sixth and the eighth innings.

Chicago made a series of roster moves over the weekend. The Sox designated Jake Woodford for assignment, who elected free agency after clearing waivers. In an accompanying move, Jonathan Cannon returned for his second big-league stint to fill in for injured veteran Mike Clevinger.

The White Sox sent Nick Nastrini to Triple-A Charlotte, purchased the contract of Sammy Peralta, and designated Rule 5 draftee Shane Drohan for assignment.

The most notable roster tidbit from Sunday was the plan to promote top pitching prospect Drew Thorpe . Thorpe will start Tuesday, the second contest of the White Sox' four-game set in Seattle. The promising young righty was a second-round draftee of the New York Yankees and went to San Diego acquired in the Juan Soto trade.

He landed with the White Sox as the centerpiece of the Dylan Cease trade and put together an impressive string of 11 starts with the Double-A Birmingham Barons.

Related: White Sox to Debut Top Pitching Prospect Drew Thorpe vs. Mariners

What's On Tap Next?

The White Sox travel west to face the Seattle Mariners for four games, the first leg of a seven-game road trip. Monday's series opener will feature Erick Fedde starting for the South Siders against Mariners' righty Logan Gilbert. First pitch is at 8:40 PM CT and the game will air on NBC Sports Chicago .

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