The White Sox are officially in a slump; luckily for them, this is a team (Detroit Tigers, despite their first-place standing) that can turn their slump around. Although today was not fun, tomorrow should be better; besides, Tim Anderson is predicted to be back!
Here is what’s not supposed to be repeated the rest of this series ... and season.
The Starts
Dallas Keuchel notched a quality start, but his team only provided one run, so he earned the loss in this one. In six innings, he gave up three runs off of six hits and two walks. He struck out four in his “worst” start of the season. Unfortunately, his offense could not help him out.
Michael Fulmer, easing back into form after Tommy John surgery, pitched three innings. He gave up three hits and walked one, but he surrendered zero runs and even struck out one. For the first time this season, a Tigers starter did not give up a run.
Pressure Play
With runners on the corners and two outs, Keuchel gave up a 2.11 LI double to Jeimer Candelario, which scored Niko Goodrum. The first run of the ballgame really set the tone and silenced the Good Guys’ bats.
Pressure Cooker
José Cisnero gave up two hits and an earned run in two-thirds of an inning of work. Facing a total pressure of 1.25 pLI, he was pulled from the game, which helped preserve the lead and eventual win for the Tigers.
Top Play
Candelario’s two out, RBI double created .126 WPA and led the Tigers to the series-opening victory.
Game MVP
Goodrum, with a 4-for-4 night, earned himself tonight’s MVP honors. A .180 WPA led his team to victory, as he tallied two runs and an RBI via his solo shot.
Magic Number: 3
Danny Mendick, with a three-hit night, recorded his first career triple in the seventh inning and scored Chicago’s only run off of an Adam Engel grounder to second. Wheels!
♂️ pic.twitter.com/ATt6D0FuFQ
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) August 11, 2020