Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians: Game 1 – MLB Post Game Analysis
The Chicago White Sox finally showed some hitting form to wipe-out the Cleveland Indians 8-1 on Thursday, September 8 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois and hand them their fourth-consecutive loss.
The Indians have had a terrible week so far, losing all three-games to the Detroit Tigers earlier and subsequently being denied a chance to remain in competition for a postseason berth. The Indians were reduced to 70-71 for the season, falling below the
.500 winning percentage for the first time this season. They have not had a good record on the road this year and this game was a true depiction of their inability to adapt to conditions early on.
Cleveland made a solid start to the game but a late assault by the White Sox dashed their hopes of regaining the second spot in the American League Central. Asdrubal Cabrera gave the Indians an early advantage in the first inning but Gavin Floyd was effective
to halt the scoring opportunities for the visitors as he pitched five-plus innings for just a solitary run amid five hits. Floyd employed his entire repertoire of deliveries in his spell of 112 pitches but was unlucky not to get a decision in his favour.
Floyd’s opposite number David Huff could not keep things tight for the Indians and went on to leak three-runs amid five hits in his spell of 6.1 innings to lose his fourth game of the season. Huff has won just two games this season but has managed to keep
his earned-run average down to 3.05 to make a strong case for a permanent job as a starter in the next season.
Brent Morel produced a breathtaking performance to lead the rout of the Indians. He first unleashed his arms in the third inning for a 429-feet home-run down the left flank to bring the game in balance before producing a three-run homer in the seventh inning
to gain a crucial three-run advantage over the drained Indians.
Morel went 2-for-4 in the game, driving in four runs and scoring two to improve his batting average to .258 for the season. This was his first multi-homer game in the Majors and his four RBIs in this game were a career-high. The third baseman for Chicago
features at number nine in the line-up and now deserves a promotion in the team for the remaining games. Morel’s promotion might help the White Sox add depth to their line-up and prepare a better strategy for the next season.
Morel remained humble after the game and said, "I was fortunate enough to get a couple of good pitches there and I didn't miss them."
Paul Konerko did not stay behind and rightfully justified his role as designated hitter for the White Sox. Konerko’s at-bat in the seventh inning came after Morel had already dented the Indians and with bases loaded, he unleashed his arms for his career’s
tenth Grand Slam, equalling the franchise-record with Robin Ventura.
There was more joy for the White Sox in the game as their left-fielder Juan Pierre completed his career’s 2000th hit when he singled in the third inning, tipping his cap in joy and earning a standing ovation. Konerko was kind enough to praise
the 34-year-old Pierre, saying that he is probably the most consistent player in the Majors.
Both teams were whitewashed by Detroit Tigers earlier and neither of them have a chance to advance further in this season. This series is more of a battle for the second spot in the Central.
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