The White Sox came into the final game of the series with the Cincinnati Reds riding high after their massive victory over Trevor Bauer. Once again, their minds were not focused on the game, and it showed. The White Sox fell 7-3. Their overall record of 34-19 is still good for first in the AL Central, but the Sox have now fallen to second overall in the AL.
Some concerning things happened in this game, which might be more significant in the playoffs. Dylan Cease (3IP 0H 3ER 7BB 5K 1L) was off today, and after this performance, he may not be a pitcher that should be looked at to pitch in the opening series. From what I’ve seen this season, the first three pitchers should be Giolito, Kuechel, and Dunning.
SS Tim Anderson had to leave the game in the seventh inning due to cramping in his left hamstring. Hopefully, it was just a minor cramp and not a hamstring injury. Hamstring injuries tend to linger, and the White Sox need Anderson as much as they need Jose Abreu.
These two players are not only the team veterans, but the team MVPs. The White Sox would not be half as goodwithout them. Abreu and Anderson get the energy flowing and keeps this team excited throughout the game.
The White Sox start a four-game series with the Cleveland Indians on Monday. This is a series that should be treated as a preview to the postseason. As it stands, this may be the first team the White Sox play once the postseason starts. Cleveland sits in third place for the division and are the 6th seed in the playoffs. If the White Sox don’t start focusing, they might end up playing Cleveland, and have to face Cy Young favorite Shane Bieber.
Dane Dunning will have a chance to repeat his stunning performance against the Twins on Monday night. Cleveland will run out Aaron Civale as the White Sox will look to take the series against Cleveland for the fist time this season.