news  

White Sox dominate Pirates 10-1 in second-half opener

White Sox dominate Pirates 10-1 in second-half opener

White Sox Dominate Pirates in 10-1 Victory

Luis Robert Jr. and Edgar Quero played pivotal roles in the Chicago White Sox’s dominant 10-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night. Both players contributed two hits, including a home run each, and recorded two RBIs to lead their team to a convincing win.

Quero got the scoring started with a solo home run in the first inning, which came with two outs against Pirates starter Bailey Falter (6-5). This hit sparked a three-run inning that set the tone for the game. Later, Robert added his 10th home run of the season in the fourth inning, marking the beginning of a significant offensive surge for the White Sox.

The strong performance from the offense was supported by Jonathan Cannon (4-7), who delivered a quality start. Cannon allowed just one run on five hits, did not walk any batters, and struck out two over seven innings. His performance helped the White Sox secure a win as they began the second half of the season following a loss in their previous two games before the All-Star break.

The Pirates, on the other hand, struggled offensively, managing only five hits and suffering their ninth loss in the last 10 games. Their seven-game home winning streak was also snapped in this match.

Robert, who has been the subject of trade rumors, had an impressive all-around game. He reached base four times, scored three runs, and made a spectacular diving catch in left field to prevent Isiah Kiner-Falefa from getting a double in the third inning. Andrew Benintendi and Colson Montgomery also contributed with two hits and two RBIs each.

Pittsburgh managed to score their only run of the game in the bottom of the fourth inning when Oneil Cruz drove in Bryan Reynolds, who had doubled to lead off the inning. Cruz continued his strong performance after the All-Star break, having hit a 513-foot home run and finishing as a semifinalist in the Home Run Derby. On Friday, he led the Pirates with two hits and stole his 30th base of the season.

The White Sox extended their lead significantly in the sixth and seventh innings. In the sixth, they added two more runs, and in the seventh, they exploded for four runs, highlighted by a bases-clearing double from Michael A. Taylor. This performance helped the White Sox tie their second-highest run total of the season.

Falter, the Pirates’ starter, gave up four runs on six hits and one walk while striking out two over four innings. Braxton Ashcraft, who took the mound in relief, struggled as well. He walked four batters, including Benintendi and Robert, to open the sixth inning. Lenyn Sosa then singled to load the bases, and Montgomery drove in two runs with a high-chopper off first baseman Spencer Horwitz, putting the White Sox ahead 6-1.

This victory showcases the depth and power of the White Sox lineup, as multiple players contributed to the team’s success. With key performances from both the offense and pitching staff, the White Sox continue to build momentum as they move forward in the season.