The Chicago White Sox experienced a tense 10th inning against the Cincinnati Reds, ultimately losing 5-4. Sam Antonacci, hoping to ignite a rally, had a challenging at-bat as the game unfolded. The team started the extra inning with a runner on second, trailing by one. Antonacci worked to a full count, fouling off several pitches before a fastball from Emilio Pagán struck him out, marking the first out of the inning.
The Reds secured victory despite three home runs that initially gave the Sox a four-run advantage. Starter Sean Burke delivered an impressive performance, allowing just one run on three hits, striking out eight over seven innings. Reflecting on his outing, Burke acknowledged his lone mistake leading to Eugenio Suárez’s solo home run but expressed a desire for a win over personal success.
“I’d trade that performance for a win, obviously.” – Sean Burke
This loss reduced the Sox’s American League Central lead over the Detroit Tigers (59-60) to 2.5 games. Early in the game, home runs by Brenton Doyle, Edgar Quero, and Miguel Vargas helped Chicago establish a 3-0 lead. Each player donning a promotional pope hat upon returning to the dugout was a highlight of the evening. Antonacci extended the lead in the fourth inning with a double, bringing in Randal Grichuk for a 4-0 score.
Burke effectively handled the Reds, not allowing a hit until Suárez scored in the fifth. He conceded only two additional hits through the seventh inning. Manager Will Venable praised Burke’s consistent performance, noting his strong command of the slider and fastball.
“He was awesome.” – Manager Will Venable
However, the Reds exploited the Sox’s bullpen in the eighth. Consecutive hits by Matt McLain and Michael Toglia, followed by Elly De La Cruz’s RBI single, reduced the lead. With bases loaded, Tyler Stephenson notched a single that tied the score.
“That’s baseball.” – Manager Will Venable
Despite Munetaka Murakami’s efforts, his eighth-inning double left him stranded on base, and Quero’s ninth-inning fly did not suffice to break the deadlock.
In the 10th, Reds’ McLain advanced to third on a fly ball, scoring the decisive run on De La Cruz’s sacrifice fly. The Sox could not respond in their half, with Antonacci striking out followed by two pop outs.
Chicago’s earlier momentum faded against an effective Reds bullpen that retired 18 of 19 batters faced. Despite their initial impressive offense against starter Nick Lodolo, the Sox couldn’t rekindle that success later in the game.
“Really good upfront.” – Manager Will Venable