White Sox have held Red Sox to one run in each of first two games played at Fenway Park
After being swept on the road in Cleveland this past weekend, the White Sox opened a four game series in Boston on Monday with little momentum. However, they would receive a solid start from fifth starter Miguel Gonzalez, and held the potent Boston Red Sox offense to one run in a 3-1 victory over 10 innings.
On Tuesday, it was more of the same as Chris Sale recorded his MLB leading 12th victory, and the White Sox were able to hold the Red Sox to scoring one run in a 3-1 victory. The Red Sox were held to one run in two consecutive games for the first time this season.
More from Southside Showdown
- The Chicago White Sox might have had a season ending loss
- The Chicago White Sox are expecting Tim Anderson back soon
- Miguel Cairo’s words spark life into the Chicago White Sox
- Dylan Cease should be the favorite for the AL Cy Young Award
- Ozzie Guillen speaks the whole truth about Tony La Russa
The Red Sox entered their four game series against the White Sox on Monday with the best offense in MLB. Boston ranks first in team offense, and although they’ve only scored one run in each of their last two games, they have scored the most runs at 391. Throughout the first two games of this series, both Gonzalez and Sale have kept the Red Sox offense silent.
Gonzalez pitched perhaps his best game in a White Sox uniform on Monday. The veteran pitcher gave up one earned run over 6 2/3 innings pitched, and had five strikeouts. Sale, pitched seven innings on Tuesday with nine strikeouts and one earned run. This was Sale’s best start since May 29 against the Kansas City Royals. In that game, Sale gave up two earned runs over seven innings pitched with seven strikeouts.
Although both Gonzalez and Sale pitched well against the Red Sox on Monday and Tuesday, it was the White Sox bullpen that was able to keep either a lead or tie intact. On Monday, relief pitcher Zach Duke had one of the best relief appearances of the season when he stopped the Red Sox from scoring with the bases loaded. Duke entered the game in the bottom of the ninth inning after Zach Putnam walked the bases loaded.
Duke struck out Dustin Pedoria, got a groundout for the second out and then struck out Ryan LaMarre for the third out. In Tuesday’s game, closer David Robertson entered with runners on first and second base with two outs and the White Sox leading 3-1. Robertson was able to get Jackie Bradley Jr. to groundout on the first pitch thrown to end the threat.
Next: White Sox Need To Contemplate Exit Strategy
The White Sox badly needed to start their current series with the Red Sox on a good note. With the recent struggles of not only James Shields but their offense, the White Sox needed some positive momentum to try to build on amidst their turmoil. The White Sox can possibly keep the good vibes flowing if they can give one of their other good pitchers some run support on Thursday. Jose Quintana will get the start, and hopefully he can get a better result than his last start in Cleveland.