The Chicago White Sox dropped a nail-bitter yesterday to the Cleveland Guardians in which the Guardians walked things off on a bases-loaded walk issued by Mike Clevinger.
This loss to the Guardians marks the fourth one-run loss the White Sox have suffered this season, which is a tough pill to swallow, as they’re losing close and winnable ballgames.
If losing on a walkoff walk couldn’t top how bad things have been, this loss gave the White Sox their sixth straight loss and saw them waste a great pitching performance by their starter Shane Smith, who looked dominant in his second outing of the season.
Chicago White Sox fifth starter’s masterful performance
Smith was masterful against the Guardians. He pitched 6.0 strong innings, allowing two hits, and one walk, while striking out six (a season and career high) and not allowing an earned run.
The most impressive part of Smith’s outing was he took a no-hitter in the sixth inning. According to MLB Pipeline, Smith is only the second White Sox rookie since 2011 to take a no-hitter into the sixth inning.
“Shane Smith becomes the first @whitesox rookie since 2011 to take a no-hit bid into the 6th.
The first pick in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft has held opposing batters to a .105 average this year:”
Shane Smith becomes the first @whitesox rookie since 2011 to take a no-hit bid into the 6th.
The first pick in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft has held opposing batters to a .105 average this year: pic.twitter.com/nsYofePWqh
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 8, 2025
Smith was able to keep the Guardians hitters off-balance in this game as he was able to effectively use his fastball and slider to get ahead of their hitters.
Smith then worked his changeup off those two pitches for his out pitch, getting four of his six strikeouts with his changeup.
“Shane Smith’s Changeup is an absolute weapon.”
Shane Smith's Changeup is an absolute weapon. pic.twitter.com/rqM54nvw10
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 8, 2025
Is Smith the real deal?
Apr 1, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Shane Smith (64) delivers against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
It’s only two starts into his big-league career, but Smith looks like the real deal and one of the bright spots in the White Sox rotation.
Even though he’s tossed 11.2 innings, Smith ranks in the 83rd percentile for his groundball percentage (60%) and the 79th percentile for his strikeout percentage (32.4%).
Smith’s changeup is slowly becoming his best pitch as he’s getting a 42.9% whiff rate. Smith is making his presence on the mound known by throwing a first-pitch strike at a 68.2% clip.
Opposing hitters have not shown the ability to square up his changeup, as they’re posting a .000 batting average against it and a .000 slugging percentage.
The one bright spot to start the season
Smith’s two impressive starts are the only thing to be excited about around the White Sox as the rest of the team tries to figure out how to match the effort being put forth by Smith.
Smith is quickly becoming a starter the White Sox can count on to give them a quality start and keep them in ballgames as they transition to the bullpen.
Smith’s next start will likely come against the Boston Red Sox when they travel to Chicago for a three-game series set to take place this weekend.
If all things line up, Smith could be squaring off against former White Sox Garrett Crochet, who will be making his first appearance in Chicago since being traded over the off-season.
Chicago White Sox lose best offensive piece amid injury news; recall outfielder
Read MoreFor More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
