Seven losing streaks of at least four games — including a franchise-worst 14-game skid — have sent the Chicago White Sox spiraling this season.
Positive responses to the streaks by the team have been scarce but not non-existent.
On Sunday, the White Sox will try to extend their latest rebound and stretch their winning streak to three games in the series finale against the visiting Boston Red Sox.
A power surge has sparked Chicago to earn no worse than a split of its four-game weekend set against Boston. The White Sox regrouped from Thursday’s 14-2 loss with victories Friday and Saturday that featured five combined home runs.
Gavin Sheets broke things open Saturday with his first career grand slam. Sheets has homered in consecutive games and is batting .308 with three home runs and eight RBIs in June.
“Just trying not to do too much,” he said. “Being disciplined and trying to stick with an approach and be disciplined with that.”
Chicago has won at least three straight games only twice this season, and not since a four-game surge from May 8-11.
Sheets said the White Sox have maintained the “same clubhouse” comportment while weaving in and out of lengthy struggles.
“We’re just competing together, having fun together,” he said. “Pulling for each other and supporting one another, win or lose.”
Offensive success and improved pitching have put the White Sox on the verge of stopping a streak of six series losses in a row.
After yielding 24 hits to the Red Sox in the series opener, Chicago has allowed just 11 over the past two games.
The Red Sox, who have lost four of their past six games, went 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position on Saturday.
Bobby Dalbec hit a solo homer for Boston’s lone run. David Hamilton contributed two hits, and Rafael Devers walked to extend his on-base streak to 14 games but later was removed with a left knee issue.
“Hopefully, it’s nothing worse than a little bit of soreness,” said Boston manager Alex Cora, who added that Devers probably will get a rest day Sunday.
Right knee soreness forced Red Sox outfielder Tyler O’Neill from Friday’s game two days after the club activated him from the injured list because of a separate knee injury.
Cora said the team will rest O’Neill for the remainder of the series and hopes he can return to the lineup Tuesday against Philadelphia.
Right-hander Chris Flexen (2-5, 5.19 ERA) is set to start Sunday for the White Sox while Boston is scheduled to start righty Zack Kelly (0-1, 2.00) in a bullpen game.
Eyeing his first victory since May 8 vs. Tampa Bay, Flexen is coming off a no-decision against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, when he allowed one run and three hits in five innings with no walks and four strikeouts.
A rain delay may have stunted the veteran’s momentum. Flexen came out for the fifth and allowed a run before his night ended. The Cubs rallied for six runs against the White Sox bullpen to win 7-6.
Flexen is 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA in four appearances against Boston, including two starts. Kelly has not faced the White Sox in his career.
–Field Level Media
