In a dramatic turn of events on Tuesday night, the Chicago White Sox orchestrated a late-inning comeback to secure a 3-2 victory against the Los Angeles Angels, reversing a 2-0 deficit that stood entering the bottom of the eighth inning. This timely win prevented the White Sox from recording their 121st loss of the season, a fate they were keen to avoid as they chase the modern Major League Baseball record for the most losses in a single season, held by the 1962 New York Mets.
Stirring Comeback
For a team that had not secured a single victory this year after trailing past the seventh inning, the White Sox's resilience on Tuesday night was nothing short of remarkable. The comeback began with Zach DeLoach and Bryan Ramos hitting back-to-back doubles in the bottom of the eighth, which finally put a dent in the Angels' lead and notched Chicago's first run of the game.
With momentum swinging their way, Lenyn Sosa worked a walk off Angels reliever Hunter Strickland, loading the bases. This critical moment set the stage for Luis Robert, who stepped up to deliver a game-tying single, bringing Bryan Ramos home and leveling the score at 2-2. The game’s turning point came when Jack López failed to catch Robert's pop-up, a miscue that paved the way for Andrew Benintendi to strike gold. Benintendi's ensuing single to left field pushed the White Sox ahead with a 3-2 lead.
Closing the Deal
With the lead in hand, the responsibility of securing the win fell on the shoulders of Justin Anderson, who stepped onto the mound in the ninth inning. Although Anderson allowed a walk to Mickey Moniak with two outs, he remained composed and ultimately coaxed a ground out from Eric Wagaman to end the game, sealing a crucial victory for Chicago.
This save was particularly significant for Anderson, as it tied him with two other White Sox pitchers for the most saves among active players on the roster in the current season. Noteworthy is that Michael Kopech, John Brebbia, Tanner Banks, and Jordan Leasure are other White Sox pitchers with multiple saves this season, although they are no longer with the team or are currently playing in the minors.
Looking Ahead
The White Sox will face the Angels again on Wednesday night, hoping to build on this newfound momentum. Tuesday’s victory showcased the potential and grit of a team that has struggled throughout the season but has now demonstrated their ability to fight back when it matters most.
This game will be remembered as a testament to the White Sox's perseverance and determination. As they take the field once more, they will undoubtedly carry forward the lessons learned and the confidence gained from this thrilling comeback.