White Sox' New Way to Lose; Water Still Wet

A Game of Ups and Downs for the White Sox

The Chicago White Sox (58-99) have had a season filled with twists, turns, and unexpected outcomes. As they approach their 157th game of the year, the team continues to find new and creative ways to lose. One such moment came in a recent matchup against the New York Yankees (89-68), where the White Sox managed to nearly pull off an improbable win before collapsing in the final moments.

After Colson Montgomery hit his 19th home run of the season to give the White Sox a one-run lead, the bullpen appeared poised to finish the job. They held the Yankees to just two outs in the ninth inning, putting them on the brink of a loss. However, what followed was a dramatic turn of events. The Yankees, who were considered one of the worst teams in baseball, managed to tie the game and eventually clinch a 2025 postseason berth with a 3-2 victory.

Shane Smith’s Performance

Shane Smith started the game strong, striking out five batters in the first two innings. His fastball was effective, and he recorded three outs via strikeouts in the first inning alone. However, he struggled with control, walking several batters and alternating between strikeouts and baserunners.

In the second inning, Smith faced some challenges but managed to limit the damage. He walked Jazz Chisolm Jr., who stole second base to get into scoring position. Smith then struck out Anthony Volpe, allowing a single from Volpe that brought in a run. Despite the pressure, Smith forced a fly out to end the inning and keep the White Sox within reach.

Struggles at the Plate

While Smith was holding his own on the mound, the White Sox offense struggled to make consistent contact. Through the first four innings, they only managed one hit: a single by Lenyn Sosa. The team had limited opportunities, with only two other baserunners coming from Kyle Teel, who reached base via walks in the second and third innings.

Smith continued to dominate through the fifth inning, striking out two more batters to tie his career high of eight strikeouts. He threw 93 pitches, allowed just five hits, and left seven runners on base. While his walk-to-strikeout ratio wasn’t ideal, he kept the Yankees at bay, limiting them to just one run.

The Comeback and Collapse

In the sixth inning, the White Sox finally found their rhythm. Kyle Teel reached base for the third time, and after a miscommunication between the Yankees' outfielders, Montgomery launched a 428-foot home run to take a 2-1 lead.

The White Sox bullpen also performed well, with Tyler Gilbert and Jordan Leasure each throwing scoreless innings. Gilbert struck out Chisolm, while Leasure forced a double play to end the seventh.

However, the momentum shifted in the ninth inning when the Yankees mounted a comeback. Brandon Eisert, tasked with securing the save, was one strike away from ending the game before things went wrong. After a series of base hits and intentional walks, the Yankees tied the game and eventually won it with a bloop single that fell in front of Michael A. Taylor, who failed to make the play.

Final Thoughts

Despite a solid performance from Smith, the White Sox couldn't hold on to their lead, and the Yankees secured a dramatic win. For the White Sox, this game was yet another reminder of the challenges they face this season. With five games remaining, the team will need to win all of them to avoid their 100th loss, a feat that seems increasingly unlikely given their recent struggles.

As the season winds down, fans can only hope for a less demoralizing finish to what has been a difficult year for the franchise.