In a different style than the first two wins of the series, the Sox were able to out-duel Phil Hughes and the Yankees and completely shut down their prolific offense to earn the sweep. It was another great win for the White Sox, so let’s dive right into this one…
He’s certainly NOT for Sale!
This is becoming a common occurrence for Chris Sale: 7+ innings, 10+ strikeouts, two runs or less. We are blessed to be able to watch such a fantastic, dominant, young and motivated pitcher like Sale every fifth game. I was absolutely pumped to watch how he handled the Yankees’ high-powered offense today, and he did not disappoint. He went right after every hitter in that lineup, and he made guys like Robinson Cano, Mark Teixeira and future Hall of Famer Ichiro look absolutely silly. If Sale can stay healthy, we could have something special for a LONG time. I’m not telling you guys anything you don’t know already though!
Chris Sale has had a lot of fantastic games this season, and tonight’s performance was right up there with all of them (credit: ESPN).
Manufacturing runs
When a pitcher is on like Phil Hughes is, you need to find a way to scratch a run across the plate in a creative way. That’s what the Sox did in the third inning with the bunt from DeWayne Wise and the sacrifice fly from Youk. It’s one of those things that separates good teams from the bad ones: finding a way to win when the other team is having a good day. Also, when Derek Jeter took the momentum in the sixth, it also helps that Alex Rios stole it right back in the bottom half with his blast.
Beckham showing promising signs
His approach tonight was the most promising thing I’ve seen from him all season long. I’ve been very critical of Beckham’s ability to hit the fastball, but if he can go back to the approach he had with heaters back in 2009: he can go back to having a ton of success. That’s to take that hittable fastball and shoot it in the opposite field gap. He’s had a tendency to try and hit it out of the park, making his swing longer and resulting in a swing and miss or a pop-up. He’s shown brief flashes at times over the past three years, but I hope Jeff Manto and Gordon make sure they keep this adjustment filed away.
Addison’s maturation process
This kid is tough as nails, especially for a young rookie.. In Robin Ventura’s postgame press conference, he called this save a “big league save” for young Addison Reed, and when you face the heart of the Yankee lineup, that’s certainly a true statement. He gives up a few base runners, but his attitude mirrors that of the 2012 White Sox as a whole: it’s really hard to phase them.
Responding
It’s what this team has done all season long. Whether it be after blowing a save in Boston or Los Angeles or getting swept and playing bad in Kansas City, the 2012 White Sox have been able to bounce back VERY quickly. This is my favorite White Sox team since 2005 because of that mindset I mentioned last paragraph: it’s like nothing bothers them. It’s really what has separated them from Detroit to this point.
Up next…
The Mariners come to town on Friday, and the Sox will trot out Jake Peavy, Jose Quintana and Gavin Floyd. Seattle has been up and down recently,but they come in riding an eight game winning streak. However, they possess a lineup that on paper, this pitching staff should have their way with. If the Sox struggle, this could be one of those “it’s not who you play, but when you play them” series’. A season preview will be up on the site within the next two days, so make sure you check that out!