Late Swisher hit does in White Sox again

Cleveland has been all smiles this weekend against the White Sox (Dennis Wierzbicki, USA TODAY Sports).

A new day, but the Sox lose the same way they did yesterday: a clutch late-inning hit by ex-White Sox Nick Swisher.  This time, Swisher hit an RBI single off of Jesse Crain, who gave up his first earned run in 30 innings.  Crain gave up an uncharacteristic three hits and the earned run, raising his microscopic ERA to 0.74.

The story of the game, as many games have been this year, is White Sox runners being left on base.  Today, the Sox left 11 runners on base, while Cleveland left only four.  The White Sox got to Ubaldo Jimenez, collecting nine hits off the disgruntled starter in only five innings, but only three times.

On a positive note, the White Sox defense showed up today, not committing an error.  It was highlighted by Gordon Beckham’s leaping catch, robbing Michael Brantley of most likely two RBI and also doubling Jason Kipnis off of second base.

Dylan Axelrod pitched for the White Sox and gave the team six innings, while giving up three runs.  Nothing spectacular, but he kept the Sox in the game, and this is Dylan Axelrod we are talking about.

The offensive struggles in the clutch continued as the White Sox were 3-12 with runners in scoring position.  Adam Dunn was 0-5 with three strikeouts and 0-2 with runners in scoring position.  On a positive note, Dayan Viciedo had three hits, raising his batting average to .237.

Up Next: The White Sox look to avoid a sweep to Cleveland, sending ace Chris Sale to the mound to oppose Cleveland’s Justin Masterson.