White Sox Offense Explodes in 7-5 Win Over Guardians, Michael Kopech Shines with Dominant Save

He retired all six batters he faced in order, striking out four. The righty dispatched the Guardians on 24 pitches, 23 of which were fastballs, while recording seven swings and misses.

Not All Good

In contrast, White Sox starter Michael Soroka induced seven swings and misses but required 79 pitches to do so. Soroka struggled in his third start of the year, lasting only 3.2 innings and allowing a two-run homer to Josh Naylor. Tim Hill relieved him in the fourth, inheriting Ramon Laureano on second, and allowed him to score on Steven Kwan's single. 

The run closed the book on Soroka, who allowed four runs on four hits and three walks. He fanned four.

The victory is bittersweet as the White Sox lost starting third baseman Yoan Moncada to a left adductor injury. Moncada attempted to play through soreness in the area but fell to the ground in pain while running to first base in the second inning. There's no word on a timetable for his return.

The 28-year-old has been the South Siders' most consistent hitter to this point.

Offense Wakes Up

The White Sox reeled off a walk and three to four straight hits to plate three runs in the first before committing an out.

Kevin Pillar capped off the rally with a two-run double.

The White Sox offense went dormant until the eighth inning, going 3-for-18 with seven strikeouts and no walks.

After Hill allowed the Guardians to score the tying run in the fourth, the rest of Chicago's relief crew shut down Cleveland's offense. Jordan Leasure, Steven Wilson, and Kopech combined for five scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out seven.

Stepping Up

The White Sox offense took advantage of the great relief pitching in the eighth inning when improving outfielder Dominic Fletcher laced a two-run double to put the visitors ahead for good. He tried to stretch it into a triple but was thrown out at third. Fletcher entered the game as a pinch hitter for Kevin Pillar in the sixth inning.

News and Notes

Reliever John Brebbia expects to return from the 15-day injured list when he's eligible to do so.

Reports state that the White Sox intend to call up outfielder Oscar Colas as Moncada appears destined for the IL.

What's On Tap Next?

The White Sox look win consecutive games for the first time in 2024 and take the series in Wednesday's rubber match. Erick Fedde will go to the mound for the White Sox and face Guardians' righty Tanner Bibee. First pitch is at 5:10 PM CT and the game will air on NBC Sports Chicago.