The White Sox have bumped their winning streak to six games and are coming home for Wednesday’s matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers for a two-game series. Two straight series wins for the White Sox, and everything the coaching, pitching, hitting, and fielding all seem to be getting better.
The White Sox have the second-longest winning streak this season, the first being the New York Yankees with a seven-game winning streak. Being able to mention the White Sox in comparison to the Yankees feels so good as a fan. It’s always nice to see teams that have a plan, struggle through the rebuild, and then flourish like the game-winning team I always knew they were.
Yesterday’s exciting win against the brew crew did come at a cost. Both 2B Nick Madrigal and DH Edwin Encarnacion had to leave the game with shoulder injuries. Yes, the White Sox team is extremely deep, but it seems like every game, the White Sox lose at least one starting player. No team will ever go through an entire season without dealing with some injuries, but the White Sox have placed five players on the IL in the first week of the season. The good news is the White Sox have lots of depth, but to keep losing starting players will catch up to them.
If Madrigal has to miss time, Danny Mendick would probably be the most likely to step in. Mendick hit 0-3 and 1R last night. Which is not that mind-blowing, but he did score the game-winning run with smart base running. He also played stellar defense at 2B once he came into the game. The White Sox have a little more flexibility at the DH position. We have Grandal taking that spot on days he doesn’t catch, McCann, who has been swinging a hot stick to start the year with a .333AVG, and Zach Collins, who brings excellent vision and power to the lineup.
Lucas Giolito (6IP 2ER 9K 3BB 1W) was able to pick up his first victory last night. I do not think I have seen his changeup look that good ever with the White Sox. Giolito followed up his embarrassing performance against the Twins and has jump-started this rotation. Giolito was able to match the Brewers ace Brandon Woodruff pitch for pitch and when Eloy Jiminez hit a two-run home-run to tie the ball game in the top of the 6th inning. Giolito came out and struck out the side to end the 6th inning and his night. The White Sox scratched across a run in the top of the 7th inning and put Giolito in line for his first win. Once again, the bullpen was flawless for the last three innings to secure his victory.
The long eight-game road trip ends with the White Sox going 6-2. They won six in a row and now come home in second place in the division. The White Sox will throw Dallas Keuchel for the third time and look to stay undefeated. The Brewers will throw out Aaron Houser, who does not have a win yet but does not carry a loss either. He has a 1.80ERA, so White Sox should not take him lightly. The White Sox are smoking coming back home, let us keep the fire going.