BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 23: Manager Tony La Russa #22 of the Chicago White Sox looks on against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 23, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The Chicago White Sox defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 9–4 to snap their seven-game losing run.
Martín Maldonado, known more for his defense than his hitting, surprised everyone with a three-run homer. Eloy Jiménez also contributed with a two-run shot. The win was much needed for the struggling Chicago White Sox, who snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 9-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.
Scoring nine runs was a season-best for the White Sox, who have had a rough start to the season with just four wins from 26 games. Their current record is the worst they’ve ever had at this point in the season.
Maldonado, who hasn’t been hitting well lately, got a single in addition to his home run. Despite his struggles, he remained positive and focused on helping the team. Flexen pitched well for the White Sox and delivered five scoreless innings. Although he walked a few batters, his performance was praised by the manager.
Tommy Pham made a solid debut for the White Sox, playing center field and getting two hits. He had recently signed a minor league contract and spent some time in Triple-A Charlotte preparing.
Paul DeJong also contributed with two hits and an RBI, while Danny Mendick and Nicky Lopez both doubled and each had two hits.
The Tampa Bay Rays did not fare well and lost for the fourth time in five games. Curtis Mead had two hits and an RBI for them, and René Pinto, Jose Siri and Amed Rosario each drove in a run.
Rays’ starter Zach Eflin struggled, giving up five runs on nine hits and four walks. He had allowed no runs in his previous two starts.
Eflin acknowledged the team’s problems and stated that they need to perform better in all aspects of the game, including defense, offense and pitching.
Despite the loss, Eflin recognized that the White Sox were a major league team with talented hitters.
In other roster moves, the White Sox recalled outfielder Rafael Ortega from Charlotte and selected outfielder Dominic Fletcher. They also designated left-hander Bailey Horn and outfielder Kevin Pillar for assignment.
