Cleveland 5, White Sox 3: A Crispy Game

I honestly forgot that Adam Eaton was suspended for one whole game for the infraction of ... arguing with a shortstop. That checks out, with what I know about his personality. This was his first game back in the lineup after that big suspension and he struck out three times for the effort (with a ground out in his final at-bat).

The first run for the White Sox came courtesy of Luis Robert. Yermín Mercedes was able to single off Shane Bieber during the second and was brought home on a double by Robert. That was really the only highlight for our guys the first time through the order.

Dallas Keuchel struggled with his control out of the box, struggling to fall into a rhythm. But while Dylan Cease looked like he had found confidence and control during his outing yesterday against the Tigers, Keuchel still seems like he’s missing a little something this season.

In an unusual move for him, Keuchel walked a batter an inning for the first three innings. Giving up a hit and walking two with one out in the third inevitably came back to haunt him when José Ramírez slapped a hit past Tim Anderson that turned into a two-run double. Another hit by Franmil Reyes brought in another run, and Cleveland was quickly up, 3-1. Eddie Rosario drove in another run before Kid Keuchy escaped.

Nick Madrigal started the Sox hit parade in the bottom of the third by doubling to right to get on, and then scoring on a liner from Tim Anderson. Anderson managed to steal second on a throw from Roberto Pérez that looked like it was aiming for the center field video board, with TA scoring on a Yoán Moncada single to right.

That was where the offense ended for the White Sox. Despite some rallies, they were never any closer in the game. A Ramírez home run gave Cleveland a two-run lead, and the White Sox were never able to catch back up. You would think a two-run lead wouldn’t be insurmountable, but sometimes that happens. Cleveland’s defensive mistakes didn’t haunt them (echoes of the Detroit opener?) as the White Sox offense was spotty throughout the night.

Overall, a semi-disappointing game. A few exciting moments, but a cold offense and Keuchel’s shaky control did the team no favors, and they ended April on a low note.

Other stuff that happened

• Roberto Pérez felt the love tonight for screwing up Carlos Rodón’s perfect game when he went up to bat for the first time and was greeted with a chorus of boos.
• Jason Benetti’s word of the day was “crispy.” He referred to the game as “crispy,” and as Aaron Bummer’s pitching as “crispy.” Was he hungry? Could someone send him snacks?
• Turns out Cleveland is rich in shortstops, but not much else. Amed Rosario is a natural shortstop playing center, while Yu Chang is a shortstop playing first. My guess is those two lost the “Who will replace Francisco Lindor” lottery.
• Tim Anderson won the “second base steal replay review” game that took way longer than it really should have. MLB: complains about pace of play. Also MLB: Takes 20 minutes to do a replay review.
• The blissful ignorance of youth gave us the most action against Shane Bieber. Kids these days don’t care about your Cy Young.
• I am unclear as to what this is about and I really don’t care to figure it out: