The Chicago White Sox used to see Lucas Giolito as their ace. He has made a few Opening Day starts in a row and deserved it. He has been a top-11 finisher for the American League Cy Young Award in the last three seasons.
Unfortunately, this has been a terrible season for him. He isn’t one of the worst pitchers in the league or anything like that but he has had a few starts that make you worry about his future. However, he has had a few starts that have shown his ability to be great still.
He had one of the latter types of starts on Wednesday night against the Baltimore Orioles. He went 6.1 innings where he allowed four hits and two walks. He only allowed one run (earned) and had three strikeouts. It was a great performance from him that he desperately needed.
With Dylan Cease and Johnny Cueto going as strong as they are, the White Sox need both Giolito and Lance Lynn to be as good as we know they can be. If Michael Kopech can get fully healthy after his IL stint, this can be a very good rotation.
The Chicago White Sox needed a little bit from everyone to get a big win.
Kendall Graveman came in to relieve Lucas Giolito and was credited with his 21st hold of the season. He was helped out big time by an incredible play made by Yoan Moncada at third base.
This team needed a play like that as Giolito left with traffic on the bases. Moncada was brilliant at the moment when the team needed his glove the most. His bat is suspect at times but his glove is incredible. He might legit be considered for the Gold Glove at third base.
Liam Hendriks came in for some work It was clear that he hadn’t pitched in a game in a while because the White Sox have gone a few days without needing him. He gave up a two-run home run but they had enough runs for it not to matter.
He wasn’t credited with a save because it wasn’t a save situation but he got two strikeouts and a pop-out for the win. It wasn’t without worry but Hendriks has been elite this season once again. He deserved to still get the job done in an appearance that he struggled a little bit.
The White Sox offense has been the biggest issue for most of this season. Well, in this win, they gave Lucas Giolito and the bullpen the run support that they needed for the win. Five runs aren’t too much to ask for a team this talented but they don’t get that many runs nearly enough.
Gavin Sheets, a Baltimore native, was amazing once again in his homecoming. He went 3/5 with three RBIs on three hits. All of his numbers are climbing as he is just starting to get hot at the right time. Hopefully, it keeps up.
It would be nice to see this team take the series after dropping the first game on Tuesday night with their ace on the mound. Lance Lynn is going to get the ball to try and get it done. He will face Jordan Lyles of the Orioles who is having an okay season.
Lucas Giolito’s big game was needed as badly as you can possibly need a win. With the division or wild card on the line, getting this win was so important. Now, it’s Lynn’s turn.