|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 24, 2022 2:34:58 GMT -5
Red Sox @ White Sox Tuesday, 24th May 2022 8pm @ Guaranteed Rate Field
Pivetta 2-4/4.22
Cease 4-1/3.09
Improving White Sox host red-hot Red Sox FLM
After being outscored 32-15 by the New York Yankees while losing three of four during a May 12-15 home series, the Chicago White Sox reset and regrouped.
Chicago took two of three from the host Yankees this past weekend, capped by Sunday's doubleheader sweep that saw White Sox pitching limit the Yankees to one run.
"It's always good to take a series on the road," Chicago left fielder Andrew Vaughn said, "especially here in the Bronx. ... It just kind of shows that we have that in us, and we just got to keep going and keep building off of it."
The White Sox will aim to do just that Tuesday as they begin a five-game homestand with a three-game set against the surging Boston Red Sox, who have won five in a row and nine of 12.
On Sunday, Boston's Franchy Cordero punctuated a 6-1 homestand with a two-strike, game-ending grand slam to sink the Seattle Mariners 8-4 in 10 innings.
"I was going nuts," teammate Christian Arroyo said. "Last year when Franchy got over here, he became really easy to root for. He's a great teammate. He's got a lot of tools, and you see it right there. He could leave the yard at any point. ... That was a huge homestand for us."
Highlights weren't as easy to come by for Boston in its most recent encounter with the White Sox.
Chicago swept the host Red Sox in a three-game series from May 6-8 while allowing just five runs.
That was part of a five-game skid for the Red Sox at Fenway Park. The final loss of the Chicago series put Boston at nine games under .500, but the club since has rallied to get to three games under. After a trip to the Windy City, the Red Sox return home for seven games with struggling Baltimore and Cincinnati.
The White Sox went 5-3 on a trip to Kansas City and New York to climb above .500, and are set to start right-hander Dylan Cease (4-1, 3.09 ERA) against Boston righty Nick Pivetta (2-4, 4.22).
Cease, who took a no-decision on May 7 at Boston after pitching five innings of one-run, four-hit ball with eight strikeouts, has pitched to a 7.30 ERA in three career appearances against the Red Sox covering 12 1/3 innings.
Pivetta, who opposed Cease this month, also took a no-decision despite six innings of shutout ball with five hits and eight strikeouts. He is 0-0 with a 1.50 ERA in five career appearances against Chicago, including three starts.
Boston's Trevor Story has five homers in the past four games.
For Chicago, Tim Anderson is batting .433 in his past seven games and helped fuel the club's successful doubleheader in New York with a 5-for-9 day that included a three-run home run as part of a five-run, eighth-inning outburst in the nightcap.
Anderson leads the major leagues with 18 multi-hit games. That tally includes eight three-hit games, tied with Boston's Xander Bogaerts for tops in MLB.
--Field Level Media
Red Sox at White Sox Tuesday, at 8:10 PM EST Partly Cloudy According to Forecast.io, it's expected to be 58° F with a 3% chance of rain and 13 MPH wind blowing left to right in Chicago at 8:10 PM EST. Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Forecast.io
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 24, 2022 2:36:50 GMT -5
Laundry Probables
Tuesday, 8:10 p.m. ET -- RHP Nick Pivetta (2-4, 4.22 ERA) vs. RHP Dylan Cease (4-1, 3.09 ERA)
Wednesday, 8:10 p.m. ET -- LHP Rich Hill (1-1, 3.90 ERA) vs. RHP Lucas Giolito (2-1, 2.84 ERA)
Thursday, 8:10 p.m. ET -- RHP Michael Wacha (3-0, 1.76 ERA) vs. TBA
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 24, 2022 2:42:59 GMT -5
Red Sox have fielded two wildly different teams By Peter Abraham Globe Staff,Updated May 23, 2022, 8:03 p.m.
CHICAGO — Who are the real Red Sox?
Are they the team that was hard to watch for the first month of the season or the group that has been tearing it up since, winning nine of 12?
The easy answer is somewhere in the middle. My answer is closer to the high side because of their starting pitching and the potential to get more from the offense.
Through Sunday, Sox starters were eighth in the American League with a 3.77 earned run average and in the upper half of the league in strikeouts (8.5 per nine innings) and strikeout to walk ratio (3.05).
Middle of the pack is solid considering the Sox went the bargain route in the offseason with Rich Hill (one year/$5 million) and Michael Wacha (one year/$7 million) and haven’t had Chris Sale all season.
The Sox are 9-4 in games started by Hill and Wacha, who have a combined 2.82 ERA.
Considering the unexpected loss of Sale to a cracked rib and then a mystery ailment, the rotation has been better than hoped and could even improve over time.
James Paxton has resumed throwing after a setback and could be an option after the All-Star break.
Connor Seabold and Josh Winckowski have presented themselves as viable choices at Triple A with 23-year-old righthander Brayan Bello now on the same path.
Sale? Maybe it’s 12 starts. Maybe it’s none. The Sox are suspiciously scant with information about their former ace. But even without him, they have enough rotation depth to compete over the course of the season.
The bullpen needs a reliable closer, but that has been true since last August. Matt Strahm seems like the most valid choice. Maybe Austin Davis? If the Sox continue to advance up the standings, Chaim Bloom owes them bullpen help, more sooner than later.
Offensively, it’s been two wildly different teams.
The Sox averaged 3.27 runs in their first 29 games and had an embarrassing .621 OPS. They have since averaged 6.58 runs with a .854 OPS.
The Sox had a .777 OPS last season and should be able to settle in around that mark again this season because there are so many opportunities to upgrade.
The Sox have the worst production at first base in the majors with only one home run and a .481 OPS. The league average is five homers and a .734 OPS.
Triston Casas has the fifth-highest OPS among Worcester players with at least 120 plate appearances. He has not bullied his way into the majors and needs to do that.
In the meantime the Sox can certainly do better than platooning Bobby Dalbec with Franchy Cordero. Maybe see if the Nationals will deal Josh Bell?
The Sox also have terrible production from their outfield with only six home runs and .585 OPS.
Kiké Hernández has picked it up in the last two weeks and has earned the right to stay in center.
Jackie Bradley Jr. has mashed at Fenway (.309 with an .883 OPS) and been mush on the road (.111 with a .331 OPS). What has been incredible defense in right field (6 DRS already) keeps him in the lineup.
Alex Verdugo has been in a fog all season, going back to spring training. He’s dropped from being a solid all-around player to leaving you wondering how the Sox didn’t get much of anything for Mookie Betts.
Alex Cora is fond of saying that competition brings out the best in players. Verdugo could stand some competition, maybe from Jarren Duran. Or even Rob Refsnyder.
The Sox arrived here Sunday night only four games out of a wild card spot. They have three games against the White Sox starting Tuesday before going home for five games against the Orioles and Reds.
They remain in position to continue climbing up. Nick Pivetta gets the White Sox on Tuesday night. He has allowed two earned runs over 22 innings in his last three starts, playing a big role in changing the course of the season.
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 24, 2022 2:44:49 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK Trevor Story’s dominant week boosts Red Sox By Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated May 23, 2022, 8:44 p.m.
Red Sox second baseman Trevor Story reeled in American League Player of the Week honors Monday afternoon after his dominant week that helped guide the Sox to a 6-1 homestand and two series wins.
After a slow start to the year, the two-time All-Star found his groove, batting .360 (9 for 25) with 10 runs scored, a double, six home runs, 14 RBIs, five walks, two stolen bases and a 1.120 slugging percentage in seven games played. Story tied the Sox single-game homer record with three in a contest.
For the most part, good players eventually rise to the top. And Story, undoubtedly, earned some points with the Fenway crowd who showered him with boos earlier this month after a four-strikeout performance against the Angels.
But beyond that, if Story showed anything last week, it’s that he and the dimensions at Fenway are certainly a match for each other. Story is naturally a pull hitter. When he’s pulling the ball that’s when he’s at his best and most of Story’s power is to the pull-side.
Consider: Of Story’s 165 homers, 90 have come to the pull-side. In general, Story’s slugging percentage is .925 when he pulls the ball compared to .600 when he goes the other way. The ability to hit the ball the other way is a key attribute to have, no question. But it’s clear what makes Story who he is: his knack for slugging pitches into the left field seats.
His performance last week. Of his seven homers hit, five of them went to straightaway left field. The other was to left center, and one was to dead center field.
On his grand slam, Story hunched over when he saw the trajectory of the ball as he ran to first base. He said he was trying to “crouch” and make the ball go higher, sort of attempting to will it over the wall. He followed up by saying that he’s “still getting familiar with the monster.” The numbers, though, would beg to differ.
As it pertains to Story, the player and teammate, manager Alex Cora said that he’s beginning to find his role with the team. Story, who is naturally a quiet person, is now filling the role of being both an impactful player on the field and in the clubhouse.
“He’s been really good,” Cora said Sunday. “You can see in the meetings, you know, more vocal, you see him on the field talking to players and off the field and I think he’s been great doing what he did with them. The guys that have been here have done an amazing job of embracing him and now you can tell that he’s a part of it.” The lookahead
The Red Sox were swept in a three-game series against the White Sox earlier this month, scoring just one over three games. Obviously, though, this is a different Red Sox ballclub. The Sox will have Nick Pivetta on the mound Tuesday against Dylan Cease. In his last start against the Red Sox, Cease allowed four hits and one run over five innings while striking out eight despite throwing 101 pitches. Cease has just three starts against the Red Sox and hasn’t pitched well. He has a career 7.30 ERA in 12 innings pitched. The Red Sox will have Rich Hill on the Hill and will draw Lucas Giolito, who has a 2.84 ERA in six starts (31 ⅔ innings pitched). Giolito currently has 44 strikeouts which marks his highest strikeout rate (12.5 batters per nine innings) of his career. Michael Wacha will make his second start Thursday against the White Sox since returning from the injured list with left intercostal tightness. The White Sox are to be determined. ... The White Sox are fresh off a series win against the Yankees and are a game above .500 (21-20). They are 6-4 in their last 10 games despite having a -22 run differential.
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 24, 2022 3:07:39 GMT -5
Red Sox Stats @redsoxstats ·
Robles started the year with 5 straight shutdowns, since then he has pitched in four high leverage spots and has 3 meltdowns / 3 blown saves. His 7 other appearances have been low or average leverage.
In 2020-21 when the Red Sox shifted against right-handed hitters the opposing team had 77 ground ball hits, a .352 BA allowed on grounders. The next closest team had a .308 BA allowed on grounders, next closest a .279 BA. That was so annoying.
So far in 2022: .200 BA allowed.
The Red Sox offense has gone from 28th in April to 3rd in May
|
|
|
Post by scrappyunderdog on May 24, 2022 8:12:05 GMT -5
Red Sox have fielded two wildly different teamsBy Peter Abraham Globe Staff,Updated May 23, 2022, 8:03 p.m. CHICAGO — Who are the real Red Sox? Are they the team that was hard to watch for the first month of the season or the group that has been tearing it up since, winning nine of 12? The easy answer is somewhere in the middle. My answer is closer to the high side because of their starting pitching and the potential to get more from the offense. Through Sunday, Sox starters were eighth in the American League with a 3.77 earned run average and in the upper half of the league in strikeouts (8.5 per nine innings) and strikeout to walk ratio (3.05). Middle of the pack is solid considering the Sox went the bargain route in the offseason with Rich Hill (one year/$5 million) and Michael Wacha (one year/$7 million) and haven’t had Chris Sale all season. The Sox are 9-4 in games started by Hill and Wacha, who have a combined 2.82 ERA. Considering the unexpected loss of Sale to a cracked rib and then a mystery ailment, the rotation has been better than hoped and could even improve over time. James Paxton has resumed throwing after a setback and could be an option after the All-Star break. Connor Seabold and Josh Winckowski have presented themselves as viable choices at Triple A with 23-year-old righthander Brayan Bello now on the same path. Sale? Maybe it’s 12 starts. Maybe it’s none. The Sox are suspiciously scant with information about their former ace. But even without him, they have enough rotation depth to compete over the course of the season. The bullpen needs a reliable closer, but that has been true since last August. Matt Strahm seems like the most valid choice. Maybe Austin Davis? If the Sox continue to advance up the standings, Chaim Bloom owes them bullpen help, more sooner than later. Offensively, it’s been two wildly different teams. The Sox averaged 3.27 runs in their first 29 games and had an embarrassing .621 OPS. They have since averaged 6.58 runs with a .854 OPS. The Sox had a .777 OPS last season and should be able to settle in around that mark again this season because there are so many opportunities to upgrade. The Sox have the worst production at first base in the majors with only one home run and a .481 OPS. The league average is five homers and a .734 OPS. Triston Casas has the fifth-highest OPS among Worcester players with at least 120 plate appearances. He has not bullied his way into the majors and needs to do that. In the meantime the Sox can certainly do better than platooning Bobby Dalbec with Franchy Cordero. Maybe see if the Nationals will deal Josh Bell? The Sox also have terrible production from their outfield with only six home runs and .585 OPS. Kiké Hernández has picked it up in the last two weeks and has earned the right to stay in center. Jackie Bradley Jr. has mashed at Fenway (.309 with an .883 OPS) and been mush on the road (.111 with a .331 OPS). What has been incredible defense in right field (6 DRS already) keeps him in the lineup. Alex Verdugo has been in a fog all season, going back to spring training. He’s dropped from being a solid all-around player to leaving you wondering how the Sox didn’t get much of anything for Mookie Betts. Alex Cora is fond of saying that competition brings out the best in players. Verdugo could stand some competition, maybe from Jarren Duran. Or even Rob Refsnyder. The Sox arrived here Sunday night only four games out of a wild card spot. They have three games against the White Sox starting Tuesday before going home for five games against the Orioles and Reds. They remain in position to continue climbing up. Nick Pivetta gets the White Sox on Tuesday night. He has allowed two earned runs over 22 innings in his last three starts, playing a big role in changing the course of the season. At the end of the day, allPete is doing is describing a team that was in a slump, and then got hot. And that happens all the time. Houston was 11-11, and then reeled off 11 straight wins. The WS were 7-12, and then went 14-8. The WSC have a worse record than us. Past that, we are largely the same team we were last year. Plus Story, JBJ, Wacha & Hill Less Renfroe, Sale (so far), and the 2 months of Schwarber
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 24, 2022 12:44:04 GMT -5
Red Sox at White Sox Series Preview
The Red Sox look for revenge in Chicago. By Matt_Collins@MattRyCollins May 24, 2022, 12:01pm EDT 1 Comment
Southside Sox The opponent in one sentence
The White Sox have performed below expectations this season and it looks like their hopes of an AL Central title will be more difficult to achieve than anticipated, but they are still on paper among the most talented teams in the American League. Record
21-20 Head-to-head record
Red Sox 0, White Sox 3 Trend
Up-ish. The White Sox had their best stretch of baseball earlier in the month, a stretch that included their three-game sweep at Fenway, but more recently have been more or less treading water. They’re exactly .500 over their last 12 games, though they did take two of three over the weekend against the Yankees. Pitching Matchups
5/24: Nick Pivetta vs. Dylan Cease, 8:10 PM ET
The Red Sox have their hottest pitcher on the mound to start off this series as the team looks for revenge for a sweep earlier this month. Pivetta did appear in that series, and while Boston obviously lost that game it was very much part of this current hot streak. The righty didn’t allow a run over six innings in that outing, striking out eight without issuing a walk. Including that outing, Pivetta has a 0.82 ERA over his last three starts, striking out 20 over 22 innings and, most importantly, issuing just a single walk in that stretch. He did a great job in that game against Chicago of walking the fine line between throwing strikes and avoiding hard contact. Coming off a complete game win over Houston, he’ll be looking to do the same this time out.
Cease has gone a long way this season of replacing the injured Lance Lynn in the top portion of Chicago’s rotation, sitting with a 3.09 ERA and a really impressive 2.17 FIP. The righty misses bats at an elite rate — 37 percent this season — which helps cancel out some modest control issues. The Red Sox did get a look at him earlier this month, scoring just one run over five innings. Boston should be trying to remain patient here, trying to get ahead in counts and hopefully drive up the pitch count in the process. Cease will feature a mid-90s fastball to go along with a pair of nasty breaking balls that each get a ton of whiffs.
5/25: Rich Hill vs. Lucas Giolito, 8:10 PM ET
It’s been a weird season for Hill, who spent some time on the bereavement list as well as the COVID list, and in between has roughly average results overall but from start-to-start has mostly been anything but. The veteran is coming off a tough outing in which he lasted only two innings while giving up four runs against the Mariners, with the Red Sox thinking he may have been tipping his pitches. Prior to that though, he hadn’t allowed a run over three straight starts, and then allowed two runs over six innings to the Rangers. As always with Hill, it’s all about the fastball command and making people respect that pitch before dropping one of his different curveball angles on hitters. If he’s predictable, we’ll see what we saw the last time out.
Giolito is the ace of this White Sox staff and was one of the AL Cy Young contenders coming into the season. He hasn’t done too much to remove himself from that conversation early this season, pitching to a 2.84 ERA over six starts, though with a FIP about a full run higher. The righty has had some home run issues this season, though his contact profile suggests he should start moving back in the right direction sooner than later. He’s yet to allow more than three runs in a start this season, and he’s allowed three runs total in his last two starts combined. Giolito will feature a low-to-mid 90s fastball along with a devastating changeup and a slider with the occasional curveball.
5/26: Michael Wacha vs. TBD, 8:10 PM ET
Wacha had been one of the very rare bright spots for the Red Sox early in the season, but then hit the injured list for the middle portion of May. He made his return over the weekend and was... fine. Wacha struck out three and walked three over 4 2⁄3 innings, but only allowed two runs as he continues to walk the tightrope and induce weak contact when needed. It’s still hard to see this totally keeping up, but until it stops we can just keeping riding this wave.
The White Sox have not yet announced a starter for the series finale, though Dallas Keuchel would be lined up to get the ball on Thursday. The lefty has had a brutal season with an ERA over 6.00, but the Red Sox helped him turn things around earlier this month when he allowed only two runs over six innings. He followed that up with five shutout innings against the Yankees, though fell back to Earth more recently in another start against New York. This is a different feeling Red Sox lineup than even a couple weeks ago, however, so it should be tougher for him if Keuchel does indeed make this start. Old Friends
Yoán Moncada was the centerpiece of the Chris Sale trade and has turned into the everyday third baseman for the White Sox for the better part of the last half-decade. Coming off a recent injury, he just reentered this lineup.
Michael Kopech was another part of that trade, but for a second straight series it looks like the Red Sox will be missing out on facing their former prospect, who is finally healthy and starting in the bigs. New York Yankees v Chicago White Sox Photo by Ron Vesely/Getty Images
Joe Kelly was a free agent this offseason but Boston opted to pass on him. Like Moncada, he was injured the last time these two faced off, but he’s back and in middle relief for Chicago. Notable Position Players
Tim Anderson has been in the news of late for reasons not to do with his play but rather comments Josh Donaldson made towards him that resulted in the latter’s suspension, but Anderson’s play has been phenomenal. He puts his bat on everything, and often does so on a line to fall in for a hit. He’s got a 173 wRC+ early in this season.
Luis Robert is the most talented player on this Chicago roster and looks like a future MVP candidate. He’s another aggressive hitter, but there’s a ton of athleticism and power here, though the latter hasn’t quite shown up consistently this year.
José Abreu was the 2020 MVP, but he’s been more of an average hitter so far this season as he looks for his power to catch up to expectations.
Moncada, as mentioned above, has missed a chunk of this season, and he’s struggled to get going in the 12 games he has played.
Yasmani Grandal is typically a low-average hitter who more than makes up for it with walks and home runs, but the power just hasn’t been there so far this season.
Gavin Sheets has been just a bit below what you’re looking for from a corner bat with his contact, patience, and power, leading to disappointing results.
AJ Pollock has been way better in May than he was in April, cutting his strikeout rate way down while his power has also ticked up a bit.
Leury García has been one of the worst hitters in baseball this year with a 41 wRC+.
Andrew Vaughn has been one of Chicago’s better hitters this year but is hitting ninth these days for Tony La Russa reasons. Bullpen Snapshot
Liam Hendriks has given up a few home runs this season which have dragged his numbers down a bit, but he is absolutely in the conversation for best reliever in the game and should be feared whenever he enters a close game.
Kendall Graveman was a free agent addition this past winter and while he hasn’t really missed bats this season he’s still been productive thanks to good command. Injuries
Lance Lynn has been out all year with a knee injury, but he’s starting to throw again and could return in about a month, or maybe a bit less.
Eloy Jiménez tore his hamstring towards the end of April, but his recovery has gone well and he could return on the short end of his six-to-eight week timetable.
Garrett Crochet underwent Tommy John shortly before the season began and will miss the entire season. Weather Forecast
While the opener for this series should be played without any weather-related issues, the latter two games are more borderline. They certainly don’t look doomed, but as of now forecasts have something around 50 percent chances of rain for both games, so it’ll be something to monitor for sure.
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 24, 2022 12:52:18 GMT -5
Game 42: Red Sox at White Sox lineups and notesBy Andrew Mahoney Globe Staff,Updated May 24, 2022, 2 hours ago After a day off, the Red Sox will bring their five game winning streak to Chicago for a three-game series with the White Sox beginning Tuesday night. It will be the second series between the teams. Chicago swept the May 6-8 series at Fenway as the Red Sox could only muster five runs in three games. Nick Pivetta will be on the mound for the Red Sox, who hit the road after completing a 6-1 homestand. After the trip to Chicago, the Red Sox will return to Fenway for series against the Orioles and the Reds. Here is a preview. Lineups RED SOX (19-22): 1. Enrique Hernandez (R) CF 2. Rafael Devers (L) 3B 3. J.D. Martinez (R) DH 4. Xander Bogaerts (R) SS 5. Alex Verdugo (L) LF 6. Trevor Story (R) 2B 7. Franchy Cordero (L) 1B 8. Christian Vazquez (R) C 9. Jackie Bradley Jr. (L) RF Pitching: RHP Nick Pivetta (2-4, 4.22 ERA) WHITE SOX (21-20):1. Tim Anderson (R) SS 2. Yoan Moncada (S) 3B 3. AJ Pollock (R) LF 4. Jose Abreu (R) 1B 5. Yasmani Grandal (S) C 6. Gavin Sheets (L) DH 7. Leury Garcia (S) 2B 8. Andrew Vaughn (R) RF 9. Adam Engel (R) CF Pitching: RHP Dylan Cease (4-1, 3.09 ERA) Time: 8:10 p.m. TV, radio: NESN, WEEI-FM 93.7 Red Sox vs. Cease: Christian Arroyo 0-1, Xander Bogaerts 3-6, Jackie Bradley Jr. 0-2, Franchy Cordero 1-6, Bobby Dalbec 1-2, Rafael Devers 2-4, Kiké Hernández 3-7, J.D. Martinez 2-6, Kevin Plawecki 0-2, Trevor Story 0-2, Alex Verdugo 1-6, Christian Vázquez 0-2 White Sox vs. Pivetta: José Abreu 3-8, Tim Anderson 2-7, Adam Engel 0-3, Leury García 1-6, Yasmani Grandal 2-7, Josh Harrison 1-1, Reese McGuire 2-6, Yoán Moncada 1-3, AJ Pollock 1-5, Luis Robert 2-8, Gavin Sheets 0-5, Andrew Vaughn 0-1 Stat of the day: The Red Sox have homered in a season-best seven consecutive games (15 home runs) and in 14 of their last 21 games (23 home runs). They have recorded multiple extra base hits in 19 consecutive games (72 extra base hits), the longest streak in MLB this season. Notes: Pivetta is 0-0 with a 1.50 ERA in five career appearances against Chicago, including three starts. … Cease took a no-decision on May 7 at Boston after pitching five innings of one-run, four-hit ball with eight strikeouts, but has a 7.30 ERA in three career appearances against the Red Sox covering 12 ⅓ innings. … Tim Anderson is batting .433 in his past seven games and leads the major leagues with 18 multi-hit games. … Trevor Story was named the American League Player of the Week after batting .360 (9 for 25) with 10 runs scored, a double, six home runs, 14 RBIs, five walks, two stolen bases, and a 1.120 slugging percentage in seven games. Song of the Day: Styx - Mr. Robotowww.youtube.com/watch?v=uc6f_2nPSX8
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 24, 2022 14:57:21 GMT -5
Chicago White Sox @whitesox · 23m Prior to tonight’s series opener vs. Boston, the Chicago White Sox placed outfielder Luis Robert on the COVID-19 related injured list and recalled infielder Jake Burger from Class AAA Charlotte.
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 24, 2022 17:14:37 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 4m Chris Sale threw a bullpen in Ft. Myers today. Back on the comeback trail.
|
|
|
Post by scrappyunderdog on May 24, 2022 19:06:21 GMT -5
I'd love to split these first two games, and then take my chances on game #3.
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 25, 2022 2:34:51 GMT -5
Red Sox 16, White Sox 3: Making it easy for the sixth win in a row
The Red Sox offense exploded early and put this one away in the blink of an eye. By Matt_Collins@MattRyCollins May 24, 2022, 11:54pm EDT 5 Comments
The Red Sox had won five in a row coming into this game, with the last few being good, gritty wins where they came from behind and/or got key hits late to hold on to the victory. Tuesday was not one of those games. Boston got a home run from Enrique Hernández on the first pitch of the game, and they were off to the races. Scoring in each of the first five innings, they put up a 16 spot through five to run away from it. Nick Pivetta contributed six good innings himself, and the good Sox made it six in a row.
More robust game notes below.
The Red Sox came into this series opener in Chicago playing phenomenal baseball, having just finished off a four-game sweep of the Mariners and having won eight of their last 10 games. With a day off before this Tuesday night game, however, there’s always the lingering question of whether or not this momentum will carry over as they head on the road to Chicago. They couldn’t have wasted any less time in showing people that this concern was unwarranted.
Enrique Hernández was in the leadoff spot for the Red Sox tonight, facing a very good pitcher in Dylan Cease. Boston made him look worse than he is throughout the night, starting with that first at bat. In fact, they started on the very first pitch as Hernández got a fastball over the middle of the plate up in the zone, and he smoked one out to left field for a solo homer, and the Red Sox were off to the races.
That inning would continue to bring good things for this offense, with Rafael Devers ripping a base hit and J.D. Martinez drawing a walk to put each of the first three batters on base (or rounding them in Hernández’s case). Although that was followed by two straight outs to risk wasting the inning with just one run, Trevor Story had different ideas. It seems his momentum was also unaffected by the day off and travel, as Story picked up right where he left off at Fenway, banging a 3-2 hanging curveball out to left-center field, and the three-run shot gave Boston a 4-0 lead.
This offense wasn’t going to stop at all in this game, either. The second inning started with back-to-back doubles from Jackie Bradley Jr. and Hernández to put another run on the board. Martinez then came through with an RBI single to make it a two-run inning. In the third, Franchy Cordero drew a walk then got over to third on a base hit before coming home on a ground ball. That was the only run of that inning, which was their lowest output in a single frame through the first five. They’d add two more in the fourth, one on a Devers home run and the other on a Cordero sacrifice fly, before tallying six in the fifth on RBI coming from Alex Verdugo, Story, and Cordero before Chrisitan Vázquez joined the party with a three-run homer. For those keeping track at home, that was 16 runs for Boston through five.
The offense was certainly the story of this game, but we shouldn’t lose sight of Nick Pivetta, who came into this start scorching hot and, like the offense, didn’t lose that momentum. The righty had to wait a bit longer to get going after his team’s big first inning, but he showed no signs of being affected by the wait, setting down the side in order on just nine pitches. He had another perfect inning in the second, this one with a pair of strikeouts, and another in the third to get through the order without a baserunner the first time through.
Tim Anderson did break up any potential perfect game bid to start off the fourth with a leadoff double, but Pivetta came through with two straight outs after that. José Abreu made sure it wasn’t a shutout either, though. Pivetta was working very aggressively in the zone throughout this game, which is what he’s supposed to do with this kind of lead. This time he caught a bit too much of the zone, and Abreu sent a middle-middle fastball out to straightaway center field to give Chicago their first two runs of the day.
There was a little bit more trouble for Pivetta in the fifth as well, though after recording two outs to start the inning. Andrew Vaughn kept the inning alive by ripping a ground rule double out to left field, and after a walk to the number nine hitter Adam Engel, Anderson ripped a base hit for his second hit of the day, bringing home Vaughn to make it a 16-3 game. Pivetta had one more inning in him, getting through without a run, giving up three runs over his six innings of work.
Now it was just on the bullpen to finish off the blowout. Hirokazu Sawamura got the first call for the seventh, who worked around a leadoff single and a wild pitch for a scoreless inning of work. Matt Barnes then took the eighth, working around a couple of walks for a scoreless inning. That left the final inning for Tyler Danish, who continued the theme with a scoreless inning of his own, finishing out an easy 16-3 win.
The Red Sox now look to make it four straight series wins if they can get a win on Wednesday. They’ll have Rich Hill on the mound to take on Lucas Giolito.
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 25, 2022 2:48:58 GMT -5
'That was impressive': Red Sox erupt for season highs in rout 3:10 AM ADT Joey Pollizze
Joey Pollizze @joeypollizze
CHICAGO -- Just two weeks ago, the Red Sox were trending in the wrong direction. After getting swept at home by the White Sox on May 8, Boston was 10-19, sat in last place in the American League East and ranked towards the bottom in every offensive statistical category.
But then a switch was flipped.
The Red Sox's offensive numbers skyrocketed, their discipline at the plate improved and the wins came along. That continued in a big way in their 16-3 blowout win against the White Sox on Tuesday night at Guaranteed Rate Field to extend their win streak to a season-high six games.
"Coming into this season, we knew we were going to hit," said manager Alex Cora, whose club is now 20-22 and 9 1/2 games back in the AL East. "Now, you look at the numbers and we're probably a top-three offense in the league. We're controlling the zone and now doing damage in the zone, which is the fun part."
The Red Sox immediately knew it was going to be a great night when Kiké Hernández belted Dylan Cease's first pitch of the game for a leadoff home run.
"I just saw it like I was going to seize the opportunity to hit the first pitch of the game," Hernández said. "There's probably not a better outcome to start a game than that."
His teammates then followed suit, as Trevor Story, Rafael Devers and Christian Vázquez all went deep to give Boston a season-high four home runs. This led to a season-high 16 runs, 19 hits and nine extra-base hits.
"That was impressive, relentless," Cora said. "They didn't give at-bats away and they kept grinding."
J.D. Martinez went 4-for-5 with three runs scored to raise his average from .349 to an AL-best .366. His continued dominance at the plate has given the Red Sox a reliable bat in their lineup.
Over his last 10 games, the Red Sox's designated hitter is batting .487 (19-for-39) with two homers and 10 runs scored.
"He's very special," Cora said. "He's been really good for a long time, and this season, he's been consistent the whole time."
Entering Tuesday, Martinez, Devers and Xander Bogaerts have been consistent forces in Boston's lineup. They were the only three Red Sox players with an average over .300 on the season. But those 16 runs showed the club's capability to have other players contribute with runs.
"There's more guys to our lineup than the three-headed monster," Hernández said. "They can't do it by themselves. We have a really good supporting cast and [we are] all capable of doing damage. It's up to us, not those three, to make things happen. We are all doing a better job."
All nine hitters in the starting lineup contributed to the effort with a hit, and the only one who didn't notch an RBI was Bogaerts.
That's the type of production that Boston continues to see from all its hitters, which has led to an uptick in offensive numbers. In the Red Sox's past 13 games, they have 95 runs -- tied for the same total in the team's first 29 games -- and are batting .285. This is way up from their .228 average from April 8-May 8.
Boston is now tied for the fourth-highest batting average in the Majors (.251).
"We understand that there's 162 games," Cora said. "We were working very hard to get to the next step."
Also on May 8, their big offseason signing, Story, had no home runs and was batting .194, while Hernández was struggling atop the order.
Now, both batters are swinging the bat much better, especially Story. With his home run in the first inning, the 29-year-old shortstop has gone deep seven times over his last seven games and has 16 RBIs over his last five.
"He's been working so hard at it since Day 1," Cora said. "He's done an amazing job doing damage in the zone."
Have the latest news, ticket information, and more from the Red Sox and MLB delivered right to your inbox.
Story's start to the 2022 season was disappointing. But since his recent surge, the Red Sox's offense has started to click. Since May 10, they have the most runs scored per game (7.31) and have shown great awareness at the plate with their walk numbers up and strikeout percentage down.
The biggest difference in the offensive numbers:
"Trevor Story," Hernández said.
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 25, 2022 2:50:17 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25
Red Sox are 20-22.
Boston finished this one early. Four home runs, including another from Trevor Story.
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 25, 2022 3:03:54 GMT -5
Patience pays off as this Red Sox team is finally forming its own identity By Peter Abraham Globe Staff,Updated May 25, 2022, 55 minutes ago
CHICAGO — There were several days early in this Red Sox season when it was a better idea to look at the calendar instead of the scoreboard.
Years ago, some of the best advice I received was to resist judging a team until June 1 because it takes at least that long for a group to form its identity.
In football, one game is a chapter of the story. In baseball, it’s a few sentences.
That outlook was tested when the Chicago White Sox swept a three-game series from the Red Sox at Fenway Park earlier this month. The Red Sox scored five runs in the series and extended their losing streak to five games.
They were in last place in the division, 10 games out of first. It looked bleak. Had president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom shuffled the coaching staff a bit nobody would have been surprised.
Now, less than three weeks later, we’re seeing that identity form and it’s one defined by a relentless offense.
The Red Sox humiliated the White Sox, 16-3, on Tuesday night. They are 10-3 since being swept by Chicago and are riding a six-game win streak.
Here’s why you have to trust the calendar: The Red Sox scored 95 runs in their first 29 games. They have scored 95 in the 13 games since. Related: Red Sox erupt early, cruise to sixth straight win
“Coming into the season we knew we were going to hit,” manager Alex Cora said. “If you look at the numbers today probably we’re a top-three offense in the league.”
He’s right. The Sox are third in the American League in runs, first in batting average and fifth in OPS.
After a day off on Monday, Kiké Hernández hit the pitch of the game from Dylan Cease over the fence in left field. The Red Sox finished the game with 19 hits, nine for extra bases.
All nine starters had at least one hit and scored one run. All but Xander Bogaerts had at least one RBI.
Trevor Story, the American League Player of the Week, cracked a three-run homer in the first inning. Doubles by Jackie Bradley Jr. and Hernández produced two runs in the second.
Rafael Devers homered leading off the fourth. Then came a six-run fifth inning highlighted by Christian Vázquez’s three-run homer.
White Sox starter Dylan Cease, who allowed seven runs in three innings, was so shaken up he thought he must have been tipping his pitches and the Red Sox knew what was coming.
“I don’t really want to say it’s one way or the other without knowing for sure. But it’s possible,” he said.
Joe Kelly, one of the few White Sox relievers who didn’t get in the game, saw it coming.
“That’s a good team with a lot of taIent,” said the former Red Sox pitcher and one of the 2018 champions. “We had a great team [in ‘18] and they still have Xander, and Raffy and J.D. [Martinez] and Alex is one of the best managers around.
“Anybody who thought they were dead in April was underestimating the players there. They went out and got Story, too. That’s a deep lineup. You knew it would be a matter of time before they got going. I know those guys. They were so much better than the way it looked.”
As Cora said a few weeks ago when times were tough, it’s about winning series.
Nick Pivetta gave the Red Sox six innings on Tuesday, allowing three runs. That made it a stress-free night for the bullpen and now Cora has Matt Strahm, Jake Diekman, Austin Davis, and Hansel Robles on full rest and then some.
That’s how you win a series. A blowout in the first game influences the next two. Now Cora, if needed, can be aggressive with how he uses the bullpen on Wednesday with Rich Hill starting.
“That was huge,” Cora said.
Former Yankees manager Joe Torre used to tell his team to focus on five-game pieces of the season — small bites, he called them. Get to .500 then work to get five games over. Then get to 10 and the standings start to take care of themselves,
At 20-22, the Red Sox are closing in on .500 like they’re in a Maserati. This brief trip ends Thursday, then the Sox return home for five games against the Orioles and two against the Reds.
June 1 is approaching and it’ll be time to take stock. You’ll probably like what you see.
|
|