The Chicago White Sox went into Sunday at 19-20. Things have been hot and cold to start the year but everyone who rationally keeps up with Major League Baseball knows that this team is much better than they’ve played.
They would have had a much better chance to win Saturday’s game against the New York Yankees had Dallas Keuchel not given up an early DJ LeMahieu grand slam. The White Sox almost recovered and came back but came up just short.
That was not the story of the game, however. The story of the game was Josh Donaldson making a racist comment towards Tim Anderson and the benches clearing as a result of defending their teammate. He is being investigated by MLB.
He also woke something up in Tim Anderson. He was already on fire this season so far so this was another level. He didn’t play in game one of the doubleheader but the White Sox managed to win that game too.
In the second game, Tim Anderson led off and played his typical position of shortstop. It was one of the best games that he has ever played. He went 3-5 at the plate with one run scored, three RBs, and a home run.
Don't sleep on Tim Anderson. pic.twitter.com/gaNGRaK1aZ
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) May 23, 2022
TIM ANDERSON. pic.twitter.com/0wqYBo5gUH
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) May 23, 2022
Tim Anderson put the Chicago White Sox on his back vs the New York Yankees.
The home run was a three-run shot that put the game away as the White Sox then had a lead of 5-0. He was booed all night for whatever reason but he clearly allowed it to elevate him even more than he already is. When he was rounding the bases, he had no problem telling Yankees fans to be quiet.
It was a much-needed victory for the White Sox on the back of Anderson too. The offense was mostly dry until the 8th inning when they scored all five of their runs. It allowed Kopech to get the win as well which was well deserved since he pitched out of his mind.
After the White Sox started 1-4 in their season series against the New York Yankees (who are probably the best team in the American League), they finished 3-4 against them which could be much worse. Now we have to hope that Anderson and the boys can bring that energy home against the Boston Red Sox.