On Tuesday night, the Chicago White Sox staged a dramatic comeback to secure a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels, transforming what had been a dismal situation into a night of triumph. Entering the bottom of the eighth inning with a 2-0 deficit, the White Sox showcased resilience and determination, traits that have often been hard to come by in their challenging season.
Tuesday’s win was significant as it averted what would have been the White Sox’s 121st loss of the season, inching them away from the looming shadow of the 1962 New York Mets’ record for the most losses in a single season in modern Major League Baseball. Remarkably, this game marked the first time this year that the team managed to clinch a victory after trailing past the seventh inning, highlighting a rare turnaround for a team that has struggled to find late-game magic.
Starting the Rally
The comeback began in the bottom of the eighth inning with Zach DeLoach and Bryan Ramos setting the stage by hitting back-to-back doubles. This offensive outburst put a dent in the Angels' lead and gave the White Sox their first run of the game. The tension at Guaranteed Rate Field was palpable as Lenyn Sosa worked a walk off Angels reliever Hunter Strickland, loading the bases and shifting the momentum firmly in Chicago's favor.
Leveling the Score
With the bases loaded, Luis Robert seized the moment, delivering a single that brought Bryan Ramos home and tied the game at 2-2. In a pivotal play, Jack López failed to catch Robert's pop-up, keeping the inning alive. Then, Andrew Benintendi stepped up, slapping a single to left field that brought in another run, giving the White Sox a 3-2 lead and sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Sealing the Win
The ninth inning saw Justin Anderson take the mound to seal the victory. Despite walking Mickey Moniak with two outs, Anderson maintained his composure and coaxed a ground out from Eric Wagaman to end the game. Notably, Anderson's save saw him tie with two other White Sox pitchers for the most saves in the current season among active players on the roster.
This win was a collective effort, but it underscored Anderson’s valuable role in the bullpen. Michael Kopech, John Brebbia, Tanner Banks, and Jordan Leasure have all recorded multiple saves this season but are either no longer with the team or playing in the minors, reinforcing the importance of Anderson's performance in such crucial moments.
Looking Ahead
The White Sox will have little time to revel in this victory as they prepare to face the Angels again on Wednesday night. This upcoming game offers another opportunity for Chicago to demonstrate their capacity for resilience and fortitude as the regular season nears its end.
In a season filled with challenges and setbacks, Tuesday night's victory stands out as a testament to the potential that still exists within this White Sox squad. Despite an often difficult journey, moments like these serve as a reminder of why the sport is beloved— the thrill of an unexpected comeback, the joy of hard-earned success, and the shared experience of fans and players coming together to celebrate a well-deserved win.