White Sox Continue Resurgence With 4th Consecutive Series Victory

White Sox finally support Jose Quintana with enough runs for pitcher’s sixth victory of the season, team wins fourth consecutive series

The White Sox appeared to be done for the season after gettting swept by the Cleveland Indians on June 19. Two weeks later, the White Sox have become contenders again thanks to winning four consecutive series to move its record to 42-40.

Jose Quintana got his sixth victory of the season after the White Sox defeated the Houston Astros 4-1 on Sunday afternoon. The White Sox were able to win the final two games of its series against the Astros after dropping the opener on Friday. Quintana and Chris Sale both stymied an Astros offense that was one of the hottest in MLB coming into this series.

Quintana who has been the victim of no run support this season, was able to get a one-run lead after he gave up a leadoff home run to George Springer. After giving up a leadoff double to Jason Castor and walking Springer to start the bottom of the third inning, Quintana retired 15 consecutive Astros batters. Quintana pitched seven strong innings giving up just two hits and recording four strikeouts.

This was perhaps one of Quintana’s best starts this season as he also had the benefit of working with a lead throughout the game. The White Sox offense did just enough to get runs across home plate as the Astros Collin McHugh pitched a solid game. McHugh had nine strikeouts through 5.2 innings pitched, but also had four walks.

The White Sox offense which has hit a franchise record 15 consecutive solo home runs, were able to score off McHugh thanks to timely hitting from Jose Abreu, Brett Lawrie and Dioner Navarro. Each player had a run batted in against the Astros on Sunday. The White Sox will need to continue getting timely hits moving forward this season if they expect to remain in contention.

With two remaining series before the All-Star break, the White Sox could find themselves  leading one of the two Wild Card spots in the American League. After its win on Sunday, the White Sox are two games behind the Detroit Tigers who lead the final Wild Card spot. The White Sox will begin a six game homestand on Monday against the struggling New York Yankees. The team will conclude its homestand against the worst team in MLB in the Atlanta Braves.

Next: White Sox, Other Wild Card Contenders Needs At Deadline

The White Sox received good news after Sunday’s game as Justin Morneau will begin his rehab assignment with Class AAA Charlotte Knights on Monday. Morneau was signed to a one-year $1 million deal on June 9, but is coming off elbow surgery and hasn’t appeared in any games since last season with the Colorado Rockies. The White Sox will most certainly need Morneau in the second half, as they desperately need a consistent left-handed hitter in the lineup.