Chicago White Sox Tie AL Record with 119th Loss
SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox made history on Saturday night, tying the American League record with their 119th loss in a 6-2 defeat against the San Diego Padres. Xander Bogaerts and Elias Díaz each contributed with a two-run homer to secure the victory for the Padres and bring them closer to a playoff spot.
The White Sox’s record of 36-119 now matches the AL mark set by the 2003 Detroit Tigers, who finished with a dismal 43-119 record. With one more loss over their final seven games, Chicago could equal the post-1900 record of 120 losses held by the 1962 expansion New York Mets. The team has struggled significantly since the All-Star break, with a 9-48 record in the second half of the season.
The major league record for losses still belongs to the 1899 Cleveland Spiders, who ended their season with a staggering 20-134 record.
Chris Flexen, with a 2-15 record, continued his streak of winless starts, extending to 23 games. The White Sox also suffered their 20th straight road series loss, highlighting their struggles throughout the season.
San Diego Padres Inch Closer to Playoff Spot
David Peralta also joined the homer parade for the Padres, hitting a home run to contribute to the team’s victory. With the win, the Padres (89-66) moved within three games of the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West with seven games left to play. Additionally, San Diego maintained a two-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks for the top NL wild card spot.
The Padres are now on the cusp of clinching their second playoff berth in three seasons, with their magic number reduced to two after the win. Despite victories by the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets on Saturday, the Padres remain focused on securing their spot in the postseason.
The White Sox put up a fight in extra innings on Friday night, but ultimately fell short as the Padres emerged victorious with a 3-2 win. Xander Bogaerts commented on the White Sox’s recent performance, acknowledging their resilience and determination to challenge their opponents.
Key Plays and Standout Performances
Bogaerts set the tone for the Padres with his two-run homer in the second inning, giving the team an early lead. Rookie Jackson Merrill also made an impact with a leadoff single before Bogaerts’ home run. David Peralta added to the Padres’ lead with a solo home run in the third inning, showcasing the team’s offensive prowess.
Elias Díaz sealed the victory for the Padres with a two-run shot in the eighth inning, further solidifying their lead. Lenyn Sosa and Bryan Ramos contributed with RBI hits for the White Sox, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Padres’ strong performance.
Pitcher Martín Pérez delivered an impressive performance for the Padres, holding the White Sox to just one run and two hits over 5 1/3 innings. His strong outing was supported by stellar defensive plays from Manny Machado and Jurickson Profar, who showcased their skills in the field.
The Padres’ bullpen also played a crucial role in securing the win, with Tanner Scott recording five outs to earn his 22nd save of the season. Despite the White Sox’s efforts, the Padres proved to be the better team on Saturday night.
Upcoming Matchup
In the next game, White Sox RHP Sean Burke (1-0, 2.25 ERA) is set to face Padres RHP Yu Darvish (6-3, 3.21) in the series finale. The Padres will look to continue their winning streak and solidify their position in the playoff race, while the White Sox aim to bounce back from their record-tying loss.
As the season winds down, both teams have their sights set on finishing strong and making a final push for postseason success. The Padres’ recent performances have showcased their determination and talent, while the White Sox continue to face challenges in their quest for victories.
Overall, the matchup between the White Sox and the Padres highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two teams this season. While the Padres are on the brink of playoff contention, the White Sox are grappling with historic losses and a tough season. The remainder of the season will be crucial for both teams as they look to achieve their respective goals and finish the year on a high note.