The thought was that acquiring Cesar Hernandez and Craig Kimbrel would be the finishing touches to improve a White Sox roster aiming to win the pennant. It hasn’t been an excellent transition for either player and tonight in Detroit; their mistakes hurt the White Sox's chances of winning tonight.
White Sox were ahead 3-0 after the third inning. Yoan Moncada beat out a double play with the bases loaded, picking up an RBI with his hustle. Yasmani Grandal followed up with a sacrifice fly, and Eloy Jimenez hit a deep drive off an outside pitch to right-center field. A much-needed double from the White Sox slugger who had struggled mightily since coming off the IL.
In the bottom half, Cesar Hernandez left his mark on the game. White Sox starter Carlos Rodon was already in trouble after allowing a walk and back-to-back singles to cut the lead down to 3-1. After a mound visit, Rodon was able to get a grounder out of Jonathan Schoop. Hernandez was able to field it cleanly. However, the double-play attempt was anything but smooth. Hernandez opted to try and tag the runner from first but missed, and his throw to first base was late. Reviewing the play, Hernandez had time to either move to second base and try the 4-3 double play himself or could have made the short toss to Tim Anderson for a 4-6-3 variety. Either way, the White Sox should have gotten at least one out on the grounder.
That mistake compounded because failing to get that runner out cost Rodon. After consecutive flyouts, the Tigers tied the game 3-3.
Same score heading into the eighth inning, and manager Tony La Russa went to Craig Kimbrel again. Kimbrel’s first two batters faced flew out and struck out, and it appeared an easy night’s work. Robbie Grossman was the next hitter, and on 1-2, Kimbrel hit him with a spiked curve. Then Grossman stole second base as Grandal couldn’t block Kimbrel’s fastball that missed the target by plenty. Next was Harold Castro, and he provided the game-winning hit with a single to right field. Once again, Kimbrel couldn’t get the job done he was traded for to do. Since joining the White Sox, Kimbrel now has a 5.68 ERA in 20 appearances.
It was already a bad night, but it got worse after the game. Rodon only lasted three innings as his pitch count already reached 69, and having to endure a stressful third inning. However, Tony La Russa told reporters Rodon said he didn’t feel right, and the White Sox manager admitted he’s concerned about his starter.
Tomorrow, there’s inclement weather coming to Detroit, which has forced game time from 5:40 pm CT to 12:10 pm CT. At least it’s a quick turnaround for some in trying to wash out the sour taste of failure. There’s been plenty of it from both Hernandez and Kimbrel since July 30.
Game Notes:
- Jose Abreu had the day off.
- Jose Ruiz, Garrett Crochet, and Ryan Burr had good nights out of the bullpen. The trio combined for four innings, only allowing one hit while striking out five.
- Kansas City Royals helped the White Sox inch closer to clinching the AL Central by sweeping a doubleheader against Cleveland. The Magic Number is now at 2.
