The Sox just can’t get those pesky Royals to stop pestering them, as once again KC snuk past our Sox late in the ballgame. With Detroit winning tonight, the Sox are now just 1.5 games up on the Tigers.
Rare Loss For Sale
Tonight was just the second time the Sox have lost in Chris Sale’s last eight starts. As far as his stuff went, he was touching 94 pretty consistently, so that wasn’t the issue tonight. He got hit harder as the game went along, with Billy Butler taking him yard in the sixth and Salvador Perez doubling in that seventh inning.
Sticking with Sale late
The hot topic in this one is Robin Ventura electing to stay with Sale when Perez came up to bat in the seventh. I know Sale has been the team’s ace all season long, but with the way the bullpen has been throwing lately and considering Sale was over 110 pitches, I would have made the move to bring in Jesse Crain to face the righty. It’s hard to fault Robin because of how good Sale is, but just given the circumstances, I think Crain may have been a better option for that particular hitter.
Chris Sale just couldn’t get out of the seventh inning without any damage (Credit: Chicago Tribune).
Wise for De Aza?
Another move that was questionable by Robin, and more preplexing to me, was having DeWayne Wise bat for Alejandro De Aza in the eighth inning. Yes, Wise has been on a tear, but De Aza has been arguably the team’s most consistent hitter all season long and has been great in the clutch. It just seemed like a real knee-jerk move that a rookie manager would make. Robin Ventura has been fantastic all season long, but tonight he looked a little bit like a rookie. However, maybe there is something we don’t know about the situation and De Aza had to come out due to injury or whatever else. I guess we will find out.
Late Opportunities Wasted
The White Sox have been clutch late in games. However, tonight was a different story, leaving two guys on base in both the eighth and ninth innings. It was just one of those nights where it seemed like no one could step up and get that key hit. It’s frustrating for a night, but I wouldn’t be worried that this is going to continue.
Tomorrow Night…
…it’s Jake Peavy against Bruce Chen, a matchup that Chen got the better of last time out. Much like first place teams go into Toronto and win this time of year, they also go into Kansas City and win. I’m confident the Sox will figure out a way to take care of business.
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Posted by Luke Stanczyk, GSB! Contributor