First I’ll start off by graciously thanking Comcast for not being able to have internet and/or cable set up in my new apartment I just moved in to … unfortunately I had to keep up with the game through my MLB At Bat app, Twitter, and highlights once they were posted on Whitesox.com … but from the look of all that, it didn’t seem like too bad of a game to miss.
Moises Sierra rounds the bases after his home run off of Peavy. Credit: Getty Images
The story, unfortunately is nothing new. Jake Peavy is quite good, only letting up 2 runs in 8 IP, but gets next to no run support. In fact, it was Peavy’s 18th quality start of the year, but he stands with only 9 wins. That’s been the case way too often for Peavy and rookie Jose Quintana; heck, even Gavin Floyd has pitched some games he really deserved better from.
If you’re a regular to the site, you know I like to point out positives whenever I get the chance … so here you go:
- Adam Dunn snapped his longest long ball drought of the season, smashing two solo home runs which obviously accounted for all of the Sox’ offense. As Matt recently touched on, he’d been one of the coldest players on the team. So it was good to see him get back on track … he’ll be needed throughout this final month and a half.
- Our most reliable pitchers continued to do their job: Peavy, Myers, and Crain all did what they were supposed to do, and unfortunately the younger guys couldn’t hold up their end of the bargain, as Leyson Septimo lost the game in the 11th inning with the help of Nate Jones. If our starters and top relievers can continue to limit opponents to 2 runs or-so through 9 innings, we’re in good shape.
One final thought from Monday night’s game is that if Septimo continues to struggle mightily, particularly against lefties, then Donnie Veal could easily take his spot if he does well in any action he may see. Veal is 27 and has been through getting sent up & sent down before, so he may be a little more seasoned mentally … we’ll see how that plays out.
But with season’s end drawing nearer, the little positives, like those listed above, are not as important. Sure, you like to see guys get in a groove at the plate and on the mound, but we’re past the stage of “learning about the team.” Now it’s time to put up or shut up and win ball games.
I say that’s enough celebrating for one series. Credit: f3v3r.com
The second game of the series will see Jose Quintana take on Henderson Alvarez as the Sox look to get back in the win column.
Quintana took a loss in his only start against Toronto back in June, but did throw well, only letting up 2 runs through 6 IP. “Q” was good versus Kansas City last Wednesday in the 7 innings he threw, but the two runs he gave up were enough to get him the loss. In that start, he had extended rest, so it’ll be interesting to see how this one goes on a more normal schedule.
The 22 year-old Alvarez pitched well against the Sox the only time he faced us this year, taking a tough loss letting up 3 runs in 7 innings. So it’s a battle of impressive youngsters in the 2nd game on the series … should be interesting to see how it plays out.