The Chicago White Sox have tied the record for the most losses in a modern major league season, matching the 1962 New York Mets with 120 losses. Despite the looming infamy, the White Sox managed to rally and secure a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night, thanks to a late offensive burst in the eighth inning.
Andrew Benintendi played a crucial role in the comeback, delivering a tiebreaking, two-out single that helped the White Sox avoid setting a new record of futility for at least one more night.
Chicago fans expressed their frustration with team owner Jerry Reinsdorf by chanting “Sell the team!” throughout the game. The atmosphere was tense as the crowd booed when the Angels’ Eric Wagaman grounded out, seemingly disappointed that they were denied the opportunity to witness history.
Jonathan Cannon put on a stellar pitching performance for the White Sox, tossing three-hit ball over six scoreless innings. With five games remaining in the season, the White Sox will have two more matchups against the Angels and three games against the Detroit Tigers to potentially set a new unfortunate record.
This season marks a significant departure from the White Sox’s previous performance, as they had never accumulated more than 106 losses in a season before this year. However, they surpassed that mark earlier in the season when they were defeated by the New York Mets on September 1.
Despite tying the American League record of 119 losses just days ago, the White Sox were on the verge of breaking a record set by the 1899 Cleveland Spiders for the most losses in a season. However, an impressive late-game surge helped them avoid that fate.
The game saw a back-and-forth battle, with the Angels taking a 1-0 lead in the seventh inning. The White Sox managed to pull ahead with three runs in the eighth inning, ultimately clinching the victory.
Looking ahead, the White Sox will send RHP Davis Martin to the mound in hopes of securing a win against the Angels. Meanwhile, LHP José Suarez will make his third start for the Angels.
On the injury front, the Angels are facing uncertainties regarding the return of 3B Anthony Rendon, who has been sidelined with an oblique strain. Manager Ron Washington mentioned that while Rendon possibly returning this season is not entirely ruled out, it remains unlikely given the circumstances.
This victory provides a brief respite for the White Sox as they navigate the final stretch of the season, aiming to close out the year on a more positive note after a challenging campaign.
