Thanks to the severe weather rolled through Chicagoland, the White Sox and Mariners wrapped up their planned Saturday contest early Sunday. It was not a joyous result the White Sox are desperately seeking as Taylor Trammell's banner day fueled Seattle's 3-2 victory.
Lance Lynn started the game on Saturday and appeared to be back in rhythm after mentioning his previous two outings that something mechanical impacted how he threw against the Rays and Astros. In 47 pitches, Lynn held the Mariners scoreless and hitless through three innings while striking out four and walking two. Because of the suspended play, Lynn will be fresher for his next outing, which is on track for July 1 against the Minnesota Twins.
Mariners’ young right-hander, Logan Gilbert, was impressive in his own right. After two innings, only Jose Abreu recorded a base hit against Gilbert, a Texas Leaguer that fell in short center field for a single. In 28 pitches, Gilbert had struck out three Sox hitters and didn’t walk anyone. His next batter to start the third inning was to be Yermin Mercedes. Then the sky opened up, and play continued to Sunday.
Picking up where Lynn and Gilbert left off were two unexpected options. Dallas Keuchel, the probable Sunday starter, took over for the White Sox, and an old friend, Hector Santiago, replaced Gilbert. The weather was dry, but windy as incoming gusts up to 15 mph were blowing out to left field.
Making his first relief appearance since 2013, Keuchel started the outing giving up back-to-back singles to Mitch Haniger and Kyle Seager. Ty France hit a slow roller to Tim Anderson, but the White Sox could only muster a 6-4 ground out.
With runners on the corners, Jake Bauer attempted to lay down a safety squeeze bunt. Keuchel, showing off his Gold Glove skills, caught the bunt in mid-flight for the second out. There was a brief window for Keuchel to double off the runner on first base, but he decided against throwing.
That almost burned Keuchel because Shedd Long smoked a liner that knocked Anderson off his feet. Scrambling to find a grip, Anderson's toss to Leury Garcia was just in time for the fielder's choice at second base.
Seattle would score off Keuchel in the fifth inning. Taylor Trammell hit a solo home run to left field. With two outs, Mariners again had runners on the corners. Just like the fourth inning, Keuchel got the ground out to escape.
In the bottom half, the White Sox offense came to life. Yasmani Grandal walked and moved to second base on Yermin Mercedes single. Next was Leury Garcia, who kept the line moving, poking a single to left field. Third base coach Joe McEwing sent the slow-footed Grandal home. A bold decision paid off as the throw to home plate was off target, Grandal scored, and the game was tied 1-1.
The White Sox were still in business as bases were loaded for Tim Anderson. Mariners manager Scott Servais took Santiago out, which prompted a check from the umpires for illegal substances. After a lengthy review, the umpires found something in Santiago's glove and ejected him from the game. He's now subject to Major League Baseball's policy against illegal substances and could face a 10-game suspension.
After the commotion, Anderson unfortunately grounded into a double play ending the rally. Ty France added to Seattle's solo home run total giving the Mariners a 2-1 lead to start the sixth inning.
The game continued to act like a seesaw. Brian Goodwin led off the White Sox half with a single, and Moncada walked. Next was Jose Abreu. Looking for a big hit to break out of his month-long slump, Abreu was the one who suffered the big blow. A pitch direct to his knee sent the 2020 AL MVP to the ground in agonizing pain. Fans chanted "MVP, MVP" as Abreu limped off the field, needing assistance. Andrew Vaughn entered the game as Abreu's replacement.
Bases loaded and no outs, Grandal tied the game with a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Goodwin. Moncada also tagged up, advancing to third on the throw. In a shocking move, Vaughn stole second without a throw from Luis Torrens, giving Jake Lamb an opportunity with runners in scoring position.
On a 3-2 changeup out of the strike zone, Lamb whiffed, putting the onus on Mercedes to come up with the big hit. He also came up empty, flying out in foul territory.
Both offenses went scoreless entering the ninth inning. Manager Tony La Russa decided Dallas Keuchel's day was over, finishing with a line of 5 IP 6 H 2 ER 1 BB 4 K. Replacing Keuchel was a pleasant surprise going to Liam Hendriks in a tied game situation.
Sure enough, with two outs, Trammell hit his second home run of the game off Hendriks. Don't be surprised if Hendriks usage reverts only to save situations.
Now down 3-2 and facing Seattle's closer Kendall Graveman, Grandal led it off with a single to right field. Zack Collins replaced Grandal on the bases with Lamb hitting. On a 2-1 pitch, Lamb hit a deep fly towards the wall, splitting left and center field. It appeared to be at least a double until the final moment Trammell ran it down. Just a terrific day for Trammell.
Mercedes finished the game by hitting into a 5-4-3 double play.
Game Notes:
- White Sox have now lost seven of their last eight games
- X-Rays game back negative for Jose Abreu
Record: 44-32 | Box Score
