While the Chicago White Sox could not, and should not make an attempt to point fingers concerning exactly where things have gone wrong this year, a fan can’t help but notice Chris Sale’s name has not been in the win column since a game in Houston on July 2.
Sunday afternoon in Miami didn’t get much better for the Chicago ace, giving up 5 runs off of eight hits throughout 6 2/3 innings. Sale wasn’t concerned as much about his individual numbers as he was with the loss that was attached to another game he started.
During the last six winless starts on the mound, Sale has allowed 20 earned runs on 38 hits in a span of 40 2/3 innings. Sale has a record of 0-4 for his last six starts and has allowed his ERA to build up to 4.43.
For the most part, the White Sox lineup has provided at least some run support throughout Sale’s last six starts, something the team isn’t always able to say. While the White Sox only scored one run in each of the games July 28 against the Cubs and on August third in Detroit, they have scored 20 runs in the other four games combined.
One stat that has remained consistent for Sale throughout the six-game stretch is other than the game against the Atlanta Braves on July 8, Sale has been below the league average when it comes to the exit velocity of his pitch.
He finished the month of July with five strike outs against Atlanta with a pitch-strike count of 88-57 on July 8. This was the only game throughout the losing streak in which he has failed to make it past the 5th inning.
Sale had a count of 100-59 which provided six strikeouts on the 18th in Seattle, and 111-71 with four strikeouts against the Cubs on the 28th.
He started the month of August looking better with 10 strikeouts on a count of 108-74 on the 3rd in Detroit, sent seven batters back to the dugout on strikes while throwing 115 pitches, 82 for strikes in Kansas City on the 9th, and struck out seven Sunday afternoon in Miami with a pitch-strike count of 110-75.
While there isn’t a whole lot the South Siders have to play for at this point other than pride, Sale has been more than frustrated with the results he has provided for the team.
“I’m not really doing too much to help. It stinks. You try to do your job and go out and try to win your team a game, and you don’t do that and it’s frustrating. It would be frustrating for anybody,” Sale said to a reporter after Sunday’s game.
Sale will try again for his 15th win on Saturday, August 20 when the White Sox take on the Oakland Athletics at home.
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