The White Sox had plenty of opportunities to beat the Twins on Tuesday night but didn’t capitalize on them. They didn’t play great baseball, which will happen, but it is still disheartening to see a preventable loss against a division rival. The White Sox lost the game, 3-2.
Dallas Keuchel (5IP 7H 0ER 2BB 4K 85PC) pitched exceptionally well as he has all season long. Manager Ricky Renteria unexpectedly pulled Keuchel after the 5th inning despite his steady performance. After the game, Renteria reported that Keuchel was pitching through stomach discomfort. Keuchel deserved better than a no-decision. It always seems like the White Sox offense goes cold for Keuchel.
On Tuesday, Tim Anderson got back on track after a couple of sub-par games. He went 3-4 with one run. Once again, Anderson kept getting stranded on base. Yasmani Grandal was batting two in the Renteria lineup. It did not work out well. Edwin Encarnacion went 0-4 again, bringing his average down to .167. Until he begins to hit again, he needs to be batting seven or lower.
The defense, which had played so well, has had two sloppy games in Minnesota. It isn’t wholly unexpected with Yoan Moncada still out and Yolmer Sanchez being brought in to the lineup for the first time this season. Hopefully, the White Sox get over this adjustment soon and get back to the good all-around baseball they had been playing till they came to Minnesota.
What is worrisome is Jimmy Cordero. Cordero, one of the best White Sox relievers last season, has been pretty inconsistent. Tuesday night marks the third straight appearance where Cordero has given up at least one earned run. On the other hand, Steve Cishek had his best inning with the White Sox, striking out all three batters he faced.
The White Sox squandered a golden opportunity to win on Tuesday, but they can still win their fifth straight series on Wednesday night. Reynaldo Lopez will take the mound for the White Sox, searching for his first victory against the Twins. The Twins are sending out Jose Berrios, who hasn’t pitched well, but his last two starts (11.2IP 8H 3ER 5BB 15K 1W) have been impressive.