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Dallas Keuchel produced a gem in a bounce-back performance in delivering four scoreless innings, and meanwhile a scuffling Luis Robert hit a go-ahead single in the White Sox’s 3-1 win over the Cubs on Tuesday at Sloan Park in Cactus League action.
Keuchel gave up a leadoff single to Ian Happ, and then saw Willson Contreras reach on a Yoán Moncada error to start the bottom of the first inning. What looked to be another long, strenuous outing turned into 12 consecutive outs, including three strikeouts and five ground outs.
Dallas Keuchel, Nasty Cutter. ✂️ pic.twitter.com/uLZDKtxosO
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 23, 2021
The few times the Cubs had hard contact, it was hit right to the White Sox. That didn’t happen to Sox hitters in the third inning, as Tim Anderson (who went 2-for-3 with a walk) hit a one-out double and scored on Adam Eaton’s single to right field.
Keuchel left with a 1-0 lead and positive words for Jonathan Lucroy’s work behind the plate.
Keuchel with a rave review of Jonathan Lucroy, who caught him today: "He's transitioned into one of the best receivers I've had the last four, five years. ... I feel really confident with him behind the plate."
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) March 23, 2021
Seemingly relieved with Keuchel out of the game, Nico Hoerner hit an RBI double off of Garrett Crochet in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Cubs didn’t score again, as both teams squandered opportunities.
Matt Foster, Aaron Bummer, Codi Heuer and José Ruiz each pitched a scoreless inning for the White Sox, combining for 10 strikeouts and no walks (one hit by pitch). Heuer also struck out the side to prevent Hoerner’s leadoff triple from tying the game in the eighth inning.
How about Heuer? Codi had himself another solid outing! pic.twitter.com/FUR6s6RFQS
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) March 23, 2021
The White Sox recorded eight hits, including five against Cubs starter Jake Arrieta in his 5 2⁄3-inning start. But they only managed three runs, in part due to José Abreu uncharacteristically stranding the bases loaded twice. Abreu left seven men on base during an 0-for-5 day.
The White Sox were able to drive in runs against the Cubs bullpen to prevent another tie. Robert singled to right field for the go-ahead run in the eighth inning to score Zach Remillard, who pinch-ran after Eloy Jiménez walked. Danny Mendick added an insurance run in the ninth inning on a moonshot to left field.
Danny Mendick pounds a Pedro Strop pitch to deep LF. #WhiteSox 3-1 pic.twitter.com/uw8ypqaKrq
— White Sox Daily (@dailywhitesox) March 23, 2021
The White Sox improved to 8-10-5 and now own the all-important spring training bragging rights over the North Siders. The Cubs fall to 12-7-3.
The South Siders play the Oakland A’s at 3:05 p.m. CST on Wednesday, which will be televised on NBC Sports Chicago. Bill Meincke has the SSS coverage.
Poll
Who was the White Sox MVP in Tuesday’s 3-1 win over the Ivy Bumblers?
This poll is closed
-
6%
Tim Anderson: 2-for-3, R, BB, K
(9 votes) -
14%
Codi Heuer: IP, H, 3 K, hold
(22 votes) -
74%
Dallas Keuchel: 4 IP, H, 3 K
(110 votes) -
0%
Danny Mendick: 1-for-1, R, RBI, HR
(1 vote) -
3%
Luis Robert: 1-for-3, 2-out GWRBI, K, 2 LOB, SB
(5 votes)
Poll
Who was the White Sox Game Goat in Tuesday’s 3-1 loss vs. the north side bumblers?
This poll is closed
-
91%
José Abreu: 0-for-5, K, 7 LOB
(104 votes) -
4%
Garrett Crochet: IP, 2 H, ER, K, BS
(5 votes) -
1%
Leury García: 0-for-4, K, 4 LOB
(2 votes) -
2%
Yoán Moncada: 1-for-4, 2B, K, E
(3 votes)