The Chicago White Sox managed to avoid setting a new record for the most losses in a season for the second consecutive game by defeating the Los Angeles Angels 4-3 on Wednesday night. The victory came courtesy of Andrew Benintendi's 10th-inning single, which secured the win for the White Sox and prevented them from surpassing the 1962 New York Mets for the modern major league record for losses in a season.
Benintendi, who also delivered the go-ahead hit in the previous game, lined a single to left-center against José Quijada, allowing the White Sox to postpone the ignominy of a record-breaking loss. The team celebrated Benintendi's heroics by dousing him with a cooler of liquid, a tradition that Benintendi humorously acknowledged as both exciting and slightly uncomfortable.
Chicago took an early lead with home runs from Korey Lee and Lenyn Sosa, but the Angels fought back, tying the game in the eighth inning. The Angels loaded the bases and executed a squeeze play to even the score at 3-3. However, the White Sox managed to escape further damage by turning a crucial double play.
Despite the vocal frustrations of the crowd directed at team chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, the White Sox remained focused on the game. Interim manager Grady Sizemore emphasized the team's professionalism and determination to compete and win, regardless of external distractions.
Both teams struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, with the Angels grounding into multiple double plays in the late innings. White Sox starter Davis Martin and reliever Michael Soroka combined efforts to limit the Angels' offense and secure the crucial victory.
With the win, the White Sox improved to 38-120 for the season, matching the record for most losses in a modern major league season. The Angels, on the other hand, suffered their 95th loss of the season, tying a franchise record.
Looking ahead, the White Sox will face the Angels again before concluding their season with a series against the Detroit Tigers. The team's decision to adjust their pitching rotation reflects their commitment to competitive baseball, as they aim to finish the season on a positive note.
