White Sox Stage Dramatic Late-Inning Comeback Against the Angels
In what will be remembered as one of the most thrilling games of their season, the Chicago White Sox pulled off an improbable late-inning comeback against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night. Entering the bottom of the eighth inning, the White Sox were staring at a 2-0 deficit, but a sequence of clutch hits and heady plays turned their fortunes around for a 3-2 victory.
The win was not just another notch in the victory column; it averted the White Sox's potentially record-setting 121st loss of the season. The infamous 1962 New York Mets retain the modern Major League Baseball record for the most losses in a single season, a distinction the White Sox were eager to avoid matching or surpassing.
A Spark in the Bottom of the Eighth
The game’s dramatic turnaround began in the bottom of the eighth inning. Zach DeLoach and Bryan Ramos ignited the rally by smacking back-to-back doubles. These hits not only broke the ice for Chicago, putting a dent in Los Angeles' lead, but they also paved the way for the White Sox’s first run of the game.
Next, Lenyn Sosa approached the plate and demonstrated impressive patience, earning a walk off Angels reliever Hunter Strickland, which loaded the bases. With the stage set, Luis Robert delivered a crucial single, driving home Ramos and tying the game at 2-2. The excitement didn't stop there, as Jack López's failure to catch Robert's pop-up gave the White Sox another chance to capitalize.
Seizing the Lead
Seizing the moment, Andrew Benintendi stepped up and delivered a decisive single to left field, pushing Chicago ahead with a 3-2 lead. The stadium erupted, sensing that the long-awaited comeback victory was within reach.
Closing the Deal
As the game moved into the ninth inning, the pressure was on reliever Justin Anderson to close out the game. Anderson faced a moment of tension when he walked Mickey Moniak with two outs, but he quickly refocused and induced a critical ground-out from Eric Wagaman to end the game.
Anderson’s save tied him with two other active White Sox pitchers for the most saves in the current season. While Michael Kopech, John Brebbia, Tanner Banks, and Jordan Leasure have multiple saves too, they either no longer play for the team or are currently in the minors.
The Road Ahead
With the morale-boosting victory, the White Sox have set their sights on their next challenge, facing the Angels once more on Wednesday night. If they can harness the momentum from their recent success, a positive outcome may well be within their grasp.
For a team that had not managed a single victory after trailing past the seventh inning this year until Tuesday night, this win is not just a statistical triumph but a testament to their resilience. Fans and analysts alike will keep an eye on how this game influences the White Sox as they navigate the remaining stretch of their season.