The Chicago White Sox took a shellacking from the Houston Astros on Thursday afternoon. Starter Lucas GIolito was ineffective again in what has been a trying season for the Sox’ righty. The Astros pounded out 25 hits and scored 21 times in the series finale. The Pale Hose still managed to split the four-game series with the American League’s best team despite the series ending so poorly.
Astros third baseman Alex Bregman belted two home runs, and two doubles, and drove in a career-high six runs. Houston’s 21 runs tied for the second most in team history. Bregman, along with Kyle Tucker and Christian Vazquez, tied career-highs with four hits. Chas McCormick drove in five runs and Trey Mancini’s solo homer in the second opened the scoring.
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Ugly
The White Sox waved the white flag early in this contest. Lucas Giolito lasted just three-plus innings and surrendered seven runs on eight hits. Relievers Vince Velazquez and Jose Ruiz were shelled for five runs apiece. Finally, second baseman Josh Harrison pitched the ninth inning and allowed another four to cross the plate.
Gavin Sheets had a career-high four hits and Yoan Moncada blasted a three-run homer in the fifth.
“Just a brutal day,” Sox manager Tony La Russa said.
Notes
Giolito has allowed 15 runs on 15 hits in two starts against the Astros this season.
Newly signed shortstop Elvis Andrus is expected to play Friday night’s game at Cleveland.
Luis Robert did not start for the sixth consecutive game. His only action since last Friday was a pinch-running appearance on Wednesday night.
What’s On Tap Next?
All things considered, the Chicago White Sox still split a home series with the best team in their league. The finale was a tough pill to swallow, but baseball is an unrelenting game.
The South Siders open a big series on the road Friday against the first-place Cleveland Guardians, whom they trail by 2.5 games. Lance Lynn will face Triston McKenzie in the series opener. Johnny Cueto and Dylan Cease will go in Games 2 and 3, respectively. The Guardians will counter with Shane Bieber and Aaron Civale.
As usual, you can watch Games 1 and 2 on NBC Sports Chicago. The series finale will air on Peacock. Sox On Tap will have the postgame shows.
Tune in to the Sox On Tap podcast for postgame reaction and further White Sox commentary all season.
