By Woodrow Carroll
It had to be a strange feeling for Chicago White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech Sunday, May 6, on the road, against the Cincinnati Reds in the rubber game of a three-game series., Kopech gave up a home run in the bottom of the first inning to put Cincy ahead, 1-0, only to see his teammates assault Reds’ pitching. In the second and third innings, the White Sox scored 14 runs combined on to a 17-5 victory.
Kopech, who came into the game with an 0-3 record, was in line for his first victory this season. The key was for Kopech to keep the Reds’ hitters from doing any serious damage. He did! The Reds did pull to within 14-4, however, when the Sox answered with a three-spot in the top of the fifth inning, the Sox were home free.
Kopech, who entered the game with an earned run average of over 6.00, yielded four runs and eight hits in six innings of work to gain his initial victory of the campaign, which allowed the Sox to win their second consecutive series after suffering through a horrendous 10-game losing streak that came to end when the Sox rallied to beat Tampa Bay, 12-9 April 30.
Historically, when a team ends a losing streak, there is a positive mini bump. Including the comeback victory over Tampa Bay to end the losing streak, the Sox’ pummeling of the Reds Sunday, May 7 made it five victories in seven games since the losing streak ended.
- We are all aware of changes and modifications made to Major League Baseball this season. The guilty party, if you will, is the Joint Competition Committee which made three notable changes.
The three changes were the pitch clock, shift changes, and base size.
One change, a change that will probably get less attention in the early going, is the size of the base. Suffice to say, the change was made with improving the quality of the game.
Prior to this season, the base was a 15” square. Now the base is an 18” square. The primary reasons given for the change were safety and the prospect of more stolen bases. Home plate size remains the same.
Imagine going from first base to second base. Math majors are quick to point out there is a 4½” reduction in the distance between the bases.
Thinking in terms of stolen bases, and we are well aware of the close plays that happen at the Major League Baseball level and the subsequent arguments that often follow, we likely will see more stolen bases. Although questioning the umpires’ calls is not likely to abate.
It’s a bit early to form a definitive opinion on changes to the game. Answers may take some time.
- Although it has been a slow start to this season for the White Sox, the Kansas City Royals have struggled even more.. The White Sox, through Monday this week 12-24. Fellow American League Central Division member, Kansas City, was 10-26 through Monday this week.. The two sides play a four four-game series in Royals’ country through Monday this week. The Sox seek their third consecutive series victory after losing 10 straight games.
- Welcome back Jose Abreu!
Abreu, for nine seasons a standout slugger for the White Sox before moving to the Houston Astros after last season, will be in town this weekend. The Astros will play in a three-game series with the Sox starting Friday.
The White Sox have already played against Abreu this season. The two clubs opened this season by splitting four games in Texas.
Abreu, who came into this season with 243 home runs in a White Sox uniform, has struggled so far this season. Through Monday Abreu had his no home runs this season with a .228 batting average.