Chicago White Sox: Ranking all of the walk-off wins in 2021
8.) April 24th vs Rangers
Nick Madrigal doubles and Luis Robert scores (2-1)
Nick Madrigal had some big moments for the Chicago White Sox in his short time.
This game loses points because it is a painful reminder that Nick Madrigal is no longer the White Sox second baseman.
Madrigal did what he does best and got a huge hit with two strikes, living up to the Nickname “Nicky Two Strikes”. But the events leading up to the walk-off were arguably more memorable than the hit itself.
The White Sox took a 1-0 lead over the Rangers in the sixth inning when Yoan Moncada scored on a Kyle Gibson wild pitch. The White Sox were still clinging to that 1-0 lead with two outs in the seventh inning but the Rangers were threatening with runners on first and second.
Nick Solak shot a single into left field that looked like it would tie the game. But Billy Hamilton came charging in played the line drive on a hop and threw a rope home. Yasmani Grandal received the throw and dove across the plate to tag Willie Calhoun before he could touch home to preserve the lead. This game-saving play turned out to be one of the defensive highlights of the season.
Unfortunately, Liam Hendriks spoiled the moment by serving up a game-tying home run to Willie Calhoun in the ninth inning. The White Sox offense was tasked with bailing Hendriks out in the ninth.
Luis Robert led off the inning with a single. Yasmani Grandal moved him over to second with a sacrifice bunt. Yermin Mercedes was intentionally walked to keep the double play in order. Billy Hamilton was unable to seize the moment and struck out leaving the White Sox with a 61.1% chance to win as Nick Madrigal stepped up to the plate with two outs.
Madrigal quickly fell behind 0-2 in the count. Despite being down in the count, Madrigal belted a double over the outstretched glove of Joey Gallo in right field. Luis Robert trotted home easily and the White Sox claimed their 11th win of the season.
It was a nice piece of hitting from Madrigal and will go down as one of the fondest memories fans have of the short-second baseman while he was in a White Sox uniform.