Starting Pitcher Dane Dunning made his fourth start of his rookie season on Wednesday night. He was still searching for his career’s first win in Pittsburgh, and he would get it after pitching the best game of his short career. Dunning (6IP 3H 0ER 1BB 3K 78PC 1W) not only got his first win, but also pitched longer than five innings in a start. The White Sox needed a big start from Dunning after the bullpen blew the game on Tuesday. However, the real test will come on his next outing against the Minnesota Twins.
The White Sox needed this 8-1 victory over the Pirates after they blew the game on Tuesday and are in the thick of a division race between the Cleveland Indians and the Minnesota Twins. All three teams continue to be neck and neck for first place.
The White Sox washed the stench of that ugly wash and handled their business on Wednesday night. For the first time this season, the entire lineup got a hit. C James McCann (2-3 2R 4RBI 2HR) did the most damage as the White Sox racked up 11 hits.
P Gio Gonzalez (2IP 1H 0ER 3BB 2K 46PC) made his return to the mound for the White Sox on Wednesday night. Although he didn’t give up any runs, he didn’t pitch very efficiently. Regardless, it was good to see Gonzalez back. It was also nice to see a good inning from P Steve Cishek (1IP 0H 0ER 1BB 0K). The White Sox have 17 games in a row to end the regular season; it will be vital to ensure they don’t lose or overtax any arms. They all have to be ready to pitch.
The White Sox have now moved into first place all by themselves after the Cleveland Indians blew their game against the Kansas City Royals. With a record of 27-16, the White Sox will take their last off-day and come back for a three-game series with the Detroit Tigers. Lucas Giolito will take the mound against the rookie Casey Mize. The White Sox need to make one last push to take down this AL Central title. It is time for the White Sox to take this division back.