The Chicago White Sox weren’t able to follow up Dylan Cease’s incredible performance on Saturday with a win on Sunday but you can’t win every single game. As a result of not sweeping the Minnesota Twins, the White Sox really needed a win on Monday night.
Their Labor Day game was a series opener against the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners came in winners of seven straight games which meant that the White Sox needed to bring their A-game in order to win. They did that in order to pull out a 3-2 victory.
Lance Lynn made the start for the White Sox and he was amazing. He went 7.0 innings where he gave up one run (but it was unearned) on three hits and one walk. He had a remarkable 11 strikeouts on the day.
For a few straight starts now, Lynn has looked like himself and this was the best start of his season against a really good Mariners lineup. It took Lance a few starts to really get going following his injury and it was worth the way.
Kendall Graveman and Liam Hendriks came in as the relievers in the 8th and ninth innings to preserve the win for the White Sox. Things got a little bit hairy for Hendriks as he allowed a run when leading 3-1 but he had a big strikeout with two away to get a big victory.
The Chicago White Sox did what they need to do to win the game on Monday.
As far as offense, it has cooled down over the last two games but the three runs they scored were just enough to take down this hot Mariners squad. AJ Pollock got things started with a solo shot and Elvis Andrus gave the White Sox the insurance that they needed with a two-run shot of his own.
Speaking of Andrus, he was one of the best players for either side in this game. He had the big home run and was great for his bat in addition to some really good defense at shortstop. He has been a really nice pickup for this team since Tim Anderson’s injury.
This series is far from over as the Mariners will host the White Sox for two more. On Tuesday night, Johnny Cueto will face Logan Gilbert. This is a great matchup that should be a low-scoring duel once again.
The White Sox honestly needs to keep winning to keep pace in the division race. Every single game is must win and scoreboard watching is a must. As disappointing as this season has been, it is nice to have post-Labor Day baseball be meaningful.