Late last September, the White Sox visited Progressive field for four games, the penultimate series of the season. They had one job: Win one game.
The White Sox led Cleveland by five games with seven to play. One win would've reduced the magic number over the Future Guardians to one with six games to play, meaning they'd have to run the table while hoping the White Sox were thrown through one.
Instead, the White Sox were swept, including two walk-off losses and another by one-run. You may remember the ill-fated relief appearances from Matt Foster, Jose Ruiz, Gio Gonzalez and Carlos Rodón. When the smoke cleared, the White Sox trailed the Twins by a game, and while they still held a one-game edge over Cleveland, Cleveland held the tiebreaker. Sure enough, the White Sox lost two of three to the Cubs to close the season, finishing in third place with an identical record to Cleveland.
So of course the White Sox wouldn't be allowed to coast to the Central title without directly engaging their tormentors one more time. Even if the Sox managed to win one of those games the Tigers, the weather wouldn't have allowed it.
With regards to the stakes, the White Sox eased the difficulty setting. The White Sox could lose all five games over four days, and Cleveland would still have to go, at worst, 5-1 the rest of the way. A shred of me will remain nervous until that magic number drops to "0," especially if they go 0-for-2 in today's seven-inning games, which by definition should be able to avoid Craig Kimbrel with a game on the line.
The White Sox won't have a favorable pitching matchup on paper until Saturday:
Game 1: Reynaldo López vs. Aaron Civale
Game 2: TBD vs. Zach Plesac
Friday: Dylan Cease vs. Shane Bieber
Saturday: Lance Lynn vs. Eli Morgan
Sunday: Lucas Giolito vs. Triston McKenzie
However, if the White Sox manage to take Game 1, Game 2's starter might be you. Might want to start stretching, just in case.
