July 6, 2024; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet (45) during the second inning against the Miami Marlins at Loans Warehouse Park Pitch. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports The Chicago White Sox will resume their tumultuous 2024 season on Friday at home against the Chicago Cubs with coach Grady Sizemore serving as interim head coach.
The White Sox fired manager Pedro Grifol on Thursday after a 28-89 start that included an American League record-tying 21-game losing streak. The White Sox wrap up play on Tuesday in Oakland.
The Griffore era in the South Division ended with Wednesday’s 3-2 loss to the Athletics, dropping Griffore’s record to 89-190 since taking charge of the White Sox before the 2023 season.
“It doesn’t break me. In fact, it just motivates me,” Griffoul told the Chicago Sun-Times via text message. “The next thing I do in life, I will do it for the love and passion for the game and the sole purpose of serving others.”
The White Sox are seeking their first home win since July 10, their most recent victory before Tuesday. The White Sox last won back-to-back games at Guaranteed Field between June 27 and 29, and they have lost 10 straight series, including all six since the All-Star break.
Andrew Benintendi hit a two-run homer in the second inning Wednesday, his third in four games, but the bullpen gave up three runs in Oakland’s Game 7.
Like their South Division rivals, the Cubs were in trouble, although not to the same degree as the White Sox.
A win at home against the Minnesota Twins this week helped the Cubs climb within five games of the third National League wild-card spot on Thursday.
In Wednesday’s game against the Twins, a balanced offense helped the Cubs win 8-2. Leadoff hitter Ian Happ and No. 2 hitter Michael Busch hit home runs, while the club’s No. 7 through No. 9 hitters Dansby Swanson, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Christian ·Besancourt went 4-for-11 overall with 2 doubles, 2 RBIs and 3 runs.
“We’re getting contributions from nine guys every day right now,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “I think that makes a world of difference. It keeps you consistent, and I think we’ve done a good job the last few weeks. That’s the key to a good offense on this team.”
The Cubs were nine games below .500 after a three-game losing streak from June 30 to July 3.
“A lot of people have bounced back and moved on,” Crowe-Armstrong said. “It’s the right time because we have 45 games left and we’re only going to get better as the season goes on.”
Friday’s win would clinch the season series for the Cubs, who swept both games at Wrigley Field in June, winning both games 7-6.
Cubs right-hander Jameson Taillon (7-6, 3.25 ERA) will face White Sox All-Star left-hander Garrett Crochet (6-8, 3.25 ERA). 3.19).
Taillon received a no-decision on June 5 against the White Sox after allowing five runs and 10 hits in five innings. He is 0-0 in his career with a 3.58 ERA in 27 2/3 innings against the White Sox in five starts.
Given Crochet’s injury history, his workload will be monitored in the second half and he will make his first appearance against the Cubs.
–Scene-level media
