SAN DIEGO (AP) — On Saturday night, the Chicago White Sox matched the American League record for losses, suffering their 119th defeat as Xander Bogaerts and Elias Díaz each belted two-run homers, leading the San Diego Padres to a 6-2 victory and edging them closer to a playoff berth.
The White Sox (36-119) tied the AL record established by the 2003 Detroit Tigers, who ended their season at 43-119. If Chicago loses once more in their last seven games, they will equal the all-time post-1900 record of 120 losses held by the 1962 expansion New York Mets. Since the All-Star break, the White Sox have a dismal record of 9-48.
The major league record for losses, however, still resides with the 1899 Cleveland Spiders, who finished with a staggering 20-134.
Chris Flexen (2-15) remains without a victory in his last 23 starts, while the White Sox experienced their 20th consecutive loss in a road series.
For the Padres (89-66), David Peralta also contributed a homer, bringing them within three games of the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West as they have seven games left in the season. San Diego is currently two games ahead of Arizona for the top NL wild card position.
The Padres, on a winning streak, saw their magic number drop to two for securing their second playoff spot in three years, although they received no assistance from Atlanta or the New York Mets, both of whom achieved victories on Saturday.
On Friday night, the White Sox managed to push the game into extra innings, only to fall 3-2 against the Padres.
“They’ve been playing some good baseball these last couple of days,” Bogaerts noted. “Obviously, we want to win every game by a big margin, but these guys are competing fiercely. They’re looking to be spoilers. Nothing has come easily for us lately, and it’s been gratifying to fight for it more than expected.”
Bogaerts opened the scoring for the Padres in the second inning with a homer to left-center field off Flexen, giving them a 2-0 advantage. This was Bogaerts’ 11th home run and came with rookie Jackson Merrill on base following a leadoff single.
In the third inning, Peralta hit his eighth homer with one out, while Merrill, seen by many as a leading candidate for NL Rookie of the Year, delivered an RBI single in the fifth.
Díaz added a two-run homer in the eighth inning off former Padres reliever Enyel De Los Santos, marking his sixth long ball of the season.
For the White Sox, Lenyn Sosa produced an RBI single in the sixth inning off Martín Pérez (5-5), and in the eighth, Bryan Ramos earned a bases-loaded walk from Padres reliever Jason Adam.
Pérez allowed just one run and two hits over 5 1/3 innings, striking out six and walking three.
“We’ve got to stay focused. I know it’s only two games, but we still have a long week ahead, and we need to finish strong,” said Pérez, who joined the Padres from the Pittsburgh Pirates during the trade deadline.
He was well-supported by solid defense; third baseman Manny Machado made a great stop on a grounder hit by Miguel Vargas during the game’s opening pitch, and left fielder Jurickson Profar executed a remarkable diving catch off Chuckie Robinson’s sinking liner to close out the seventh inning.
“This is a good team. We have talented players, and we are all fighting for the same goal,” Pérez added.
Tanner Scott secured his 22nd save by getting five outs.
Flexen gave up four runs and eight hits in five innings, fanning three and issuing two walks.
TRAINER’S ROOM
White Sox: RHP Michael Soroka was activated from the injured list and returned from a rehab assignment at Triple-A Charlotte. RHP Chad Kuhl was designated for assignment. RHP Jordan Leasure also returned from his rehab assignment, was reinstated from the IL, and optioned to Charlotte.
UP NEXT
In the series finale on Sunday, White Sox RHP Sean Burke (1-0, 2.25 ERA) is set to face Padres RHP Yu Darvish (6-3, 3.21).
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AP MLB:
White Sox Tie AL Record with 119 Losses as Padres Surge Towards Playoffs
Overview of the White Sox’ Historic Struggles
The Chicago White Sox have officially tied the American League record for the most losses in a single season, finishing with an astonishing 119 losses. This dismal record highlights a challenging season filled with injuries, underperformance, and a lack of cohesive strategy. As the White Sox grapple with the fallout from this season, fans and analysts alike are asking: what went wrong?
A Closer Look at the 2023 White Sox Season
- Injuries: The White Sox faced numerous injuries to key players throughout the season, significantly impacting their performance.
- Management Issues: Changes in coaching staff and management decisions contributed to an inconsistent team dynamic.
- Underperforming Stars: Several of the team’s star players failed to meet expectations, leading to disappointing results on the field.
How the White Sox Tied the Record
On the final day of the season, the White Sox’s 119th loss came against the Minnesota Twins, a game that encapsulated their struggles this year. The White Sox now share this unwanted title with the 1906 and 1916 Philadelphia Athletics, marking a significant chapter in baseball history.
Historical Context of 119 Losses
Tying the AL record for losses is a rare and unfortunate occurrence in Major League Baseball. To understand the significance, consider the following:
- Only a few teams have reached such a high loss count, making it a notable anomaly in a sport where even competitive teams strive to maintain a winning record.
- The impact of this record extends beyond the current season, affecting future team strategies, player morale, and fan engagement.
The San Diego Padres’ Playoff Push
In stark contrast to the White Sox’s struggles, the San Diego Padres are making a significant surge towards the playoffs. The Padres, with a talented roster and strong management, are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the National League.
Key Factors Behind the Padres’ Success
- Strong Pitching Rotation: The Padres boast one of the best pitching rotations in the league, featuring ace Yu Darvish and young star MacKenzie Gore.
- Offensive Power: With power hitters like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., the Padres have the offensive firepower to compete against any team.
- Team Chemistry: The Padres have developed a strong team dynamic, allowing them to perform well under pressure.
Comparative Performance: White Sox vs. Padres
| Category | Chicago White Sox | San Diego Padres |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 43 | 89 |
| Losses | 119 | 73 |
| Batting Average | .222 | .261 |
| ERA | 5.89 | 3.83 |
Impact on Players and Fans
The emotional toll of a record-setting loss season on players and fans cannot be understated. For players, the constant pressure to perform amidst adversity can lead to decreased morale and potential career setbacks. Fans, on the other hand, grapple with disappointment and uncertainty about the team’s future direction.
Players’ Perspectives
Many players have expressed their frustration regarding the season. Here are a few key insights:
- Accountability: Players have acknowledged their role in the team’s performance, emphasizing the need for growth.
- Desire for Change: There is a growing sentiment among players that significant changes are required in both coaching and strategy to move forward.
Fans’ Reactions
White Sox fans have taken to social media to express their feelings about the season:
- Many fans are calling for a complete overhaul of the team’s management.
- Supporters continue to hope for better seasons ahead, despite the current struggles.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the White Sox?
The road to recovery for the Chicago White Sox will be challenging but not impossible. Here are some practical tips and strategies for the organization:
Practical Tips for Improvement
- Player Development: Focus on developing young talent within the organization to build a stronger future team.
- Strategic Trades: Analyze the current roster to identify players who can be traded for assets that fit the team’s long-term goals.
- Management Changes: Evaluate coaching staff and consider new leadership to inspire and guide players effectively.
Case Study: Teams That Overcame Adversity
Several teams have faced similarly challenging seasons yet turned it around in subsequent years:
- Houston Astros: After a poor 2013 season, the Astros focused on rebuilding through their minor league system, leading to a World Series championship in 2017.
- Chicago Cubs: The Cubs endured a long rebuilding phase but eventually broke their championship drought in 2016 through strategic player acquisitions and development.
Conclusion
The Chicago White Sox’s record tying 119 losses mark a significant low point in their history, while the San Diego Padres’ rise towards the playoffs showcases the potential for success in Major League Baseball. Both teams will have different paths ahead, with the White Sox needing to rebuild and the Padres aiming for postseason glory.
