The Chicago White Sox pulled off a stunning late-inning comeback against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night, transforming a 2-0 deficit into a thrilling 3-2 victory at home. This dramatic win not only snapped a grim pattern for the White Sox but also averted what would have been their 121st loss of the season.
Turning Point in the Eighth
Entering the bottom of the eighth inning, the White Sox trailed 2-0 with little sign of reversing their fortunes. The turnaround began with Zach DeLoach and Bryan Ramos smashing back-to-back doubles, the first real dent in the Angels' lead, driving home Chicago's first run of the game.
This shift in momentum continued when Lenyn Sosa worked a crucial walk off Angels reliever Hunter Strickland, loading the bases. Luis Robert stepped up, delivering a single that brought Bryan Ramos home, tying the game at 2-2 amidst a wave of excitement from the home crowd.
Benintendi's Decisive Swing
With the game’s outcome hanging in the balance, Jack López failed to catch Robert's pop-up, allowing Andrew Benintendi to take center stage. Benintendi capitalized on the opportunity, sending a single to left field to give the White Sox a 3-2 lead, completing the remarkable rally in the eighth inning.
Closing the Door
The ninth inning saw Justin Anderson tasked with protecting the slender one-run lead. Anderson, who has tied with two other White Sox pitchers for the most saves in the current season among active players on the roster, faced a tense situation after walking Mickey Moniak with two outs.
Unfazed, Anderson coaxed Eric Wagaman into a ground out, sealing the victory and igniting celebrations among the White Sox faithful. The win marked a significant moment for Chicago, which had not managed a single victory this year after trailing past the seventh inning until this memorable Tuesday night.
A Much-Needed Morale Boost
For a team languishing with one of the highest loss totals in modern Major League Baseball history, this late-game heroics provided a much-needed morale boost. Historically, the 1962 New York Mets hold the modern MLB record for the most losses in a single season – a dubious distinction none in Chicago want to emulate.
While the win won't erase the struggles faced throughout a difficult season, it does serve as a reminder of the potential and fight within the team. Players like Michael Kopech, John Brebbia, Tanner Banks, and Jordan Leasure, who have multiple saves this season but are no longer with the team, have set a precedent of excellence that current players strive to uphold.
Looking Ahead
The White Sox hope to carry this momentum into their next game as they face the Angels again on Wednesday night. For fans and players alike, Tuesday's win was more than just a tally in the victory column; it was a symbol of resilience and the timeless allure of baseball where anything can happen, right up until the final out.