2021 Player Highlights – Pitchers

Season Recap

  • Jerry Reinsdorf and Tony La Russa go all-in on 2021 World Series win and fall far short, but the team they’ve built has a promising future.
  • First consecutive postseason berths in franchise history (2020 and 2021)
  • First AL Central division title since 2008
  • White Sox starters led the American League in ERA, SO, SO/9 IP, OPP SLG, and OPP OPS
  • First lineup in MLB history to have four players with first names beginning with “Y”

White Sox 2021 Season in Review from MLB Network

Pitchers

Except where indicated, player stats are 2021 regular season with White Sox only.

Rotation

Lucas Giolito #27, RHP

31 G | 178 ⅔ IP | 11-9 W-L | 3.53 ERA | 201 SO | 52 BB | 2 HB

➤ 15 quality starts in the regular season

➤ 4 R/ER on 3 H (5 BB, 4 SO) on 4 ⅓ IP in ALDS Game 2 start. No decision.

Epic pitching duel with Shane Bieber: fans 8 Indians in 7.0+ scoreless innings (3 H, 2 BB), leaves game tied at 0 – April 13

Commands and controls all night, retiring 27 of 30 Astros for a complete game (3 H, 1 R/ER, 0 BB, 8 SO) – July 17

Throws 8.0 scoreless innings (2 H, 1 R/ER, 0 BB, 8 SO) vs. Twins – August 9

First anniversary of no hitter (8/25/2020) – August 25, 2021

Second half highlights from MLB Network

Lance Lynn #33, RHP

28 G | 157.0 IP | 11-6 W-L | 2.69 ERA | 176 SO | 45 BB | 2 HB

➤ 13 quality starts in the regular season

➤ Traded from Texas Rangers for LHP Avery Weems and RHP Dane Dunning – December 8, 2020

➤ Assigned to American League All Stars – July 12

➤ 5 R/ER on 6 H (2 BB, 4 SO) on 3 ⅔ IP in ALDS Game 1 start. No decision.

Pitches first complete-game shutout in a White Sox home opener since Wilbur Wright in 1976 (5 H, 0 BB, 11 SO) vs. Royals – April 8

Goes 7.0 strong, strikes out 9 (4 H, 1 R/ER, 0 BB) vs. Jays – June 9

Punches out 9, across 6.0 innings (4 H, 1 R/ER, 5 BB) vs. Tigers – July 2

Throws scoreless 2nd inning (1 BB, 1 K) for the AL in All Star Game – July 13, 2021

Carlos Rodón #55, LHP

24 G | 132 ⅔ IP | 13-5 W-L | 2.37 ERA | 185 SO | 36 BB | 8 HB

➤ 10 quality starts in the regular season

➤ Signed with White Sox as a free agent – February 1

➤ Assigned to American League All Stars – July 12

➤ Injured List, due to left shoulder fatigue that continued into the postseason – August 11-26

➤ 2 R/ER on 3 H (2 BB, 3 SO, 1 HB) on 2 ⅔ IP in ALDS Game 4 start. Charged with Game 4 loss.

Serves up 20th no-hitter in White Sox history, missing a perfecto by just two outs, vs. Indians – April 14

Appearance on MLB Network’s Intentional Talk at All Star Game – July 13, 2021

Hurls super-dominant, 7.0 inning start (0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 10 SO) against Astros – July 18

Fans 11 (2 H, 2 BB) over 5.0 scoreless innings vs. Cubs – August 7

Dallas Keuchel #60, LHP

32 G | 162.0 IP | 9-9 W-L | 5.28 ERA | 95 SO | 59 BB | 7 HB

➤ The highest paid player on the team, contracted through 2022 at $18MM per year.

➤ 9 quality starts in the regular season

Throws 7.0 shutout innings (2 H, 3 BB, 1 SO, 1 HB) against the Reds – May 5

Pitches 7.0 scoreless frames with 5 strikeouts and only 1 walk (4 H) vs. Rays – June 15

Fans 3, walks 1, and gives up only 1 run across 7.0 innings (7 H) vs. Orioles – July 9

Other than that, ugh…

Dylan Cease #84, RHP

32 G | 165 ⅔ IP | 13-7 W-L | 3.91 ERA | 226 SO | 68 BB | 9 HB

➤ 10 quality starts in the regular season

➤ 3 R/ER on 2 H (3 BB, 2 SO) on 1 ⅔ IP in ALDS Game 3 start. No decision.

Hurls 7-inning shutout (career first) vs. Tigers (3 H, 0 BB, 9 SO) – April 29, 2021

Tallies 11 strikeouts and first 3 career hits—in first 3 career at-bats!—vs. Reds (1 H, 0 R, 3 BB) – May 4, 2021

Strikes out 10, over 7.0 scoreless frames vs. Tigers (5 H, 1 BB) – June 6

Fans 11, across 6.0 scoreless innings vs. Royals (1 H, 2 BB) – August 3

Pitches 200th strikeout of the season – September 11

Reynaldo López #40, RHP

20 G | 57 ⅔ IP | 4-4 W-L | 3.43 ERA | 55 SO | 13 BB | 0 HB

➤ Called up from Charlotte Knights (AAA) – July 16

➤ 1 quality start in his short stint in the rotation

➤ 1 R/ER on 2 H (1 BB, 2 SO) on 2.0 relief IP in Game 1 of ALDS.

Fans 4 in quality start against Reds (1 H, 1 R/ER, 1 BB, 2 SO in 6.0 IP) – September 28

Punches out 7 (0 H, 0 BB) in 5.0 scoreless innings for the win vs. Cubs – August 27

Bullpen

Liam Hendriks #31, RHP

69 G | 71.0 IP | 8-3 W-L | SV 38 | 2.54 ERA | 113 SO | 7 BB | 1 HB

➤ Signed with White Sox as a free agent – January 15

➤ Assigned to American League All Stars – July 12

➤ Tied for 2nd place in MLB for number of saves in the 2021 regular season—38, just one less than the #1 closer

➤ Honored as White Sox nominee for the 2021 Roberto Clemente Award – September 14

➤ 3 R/ER on 3 H (1 BB, 6 SO) on 3.0 IP in 3 games of the ALDS. No save opportunities.

Inherits loaded bases and strikes out the side, for the save vs. Cardinals – May 25

Discusses his love of LEGOS, heavy metal, and teen fiction – June 4

Fans 4 in 2 perfect frames vs. Twins – July 6

Earns save (2 H, 1 SO) for the AL in the All Star Game – July 13, 2021

Grabs five outs for the save (3 SO) against Oakland –August 18

Strikes out the side in the 8th vs. Angels – September 16

Michael Kopech #34, RHP

44 G | 69 ⅓ IP | 4-3 W-L | SV 0 | 3.50 ERA | 103 SO | 24 BB | 1 HB

➤ Injured List, due to strained left hamstring – May 31–June 30

➤ 6 R/ER on 7 H (1 BB, 5 SO) in 3.0 IP in 2 games of the ALDS. Credited with Game 3 win.

Strikes out the side in the 6th vs. Royals – July 11

Punches out 5 (0 H, 1 BB) in 2 ⅓ innings of relief

Fans Yordan Álvarez after fan uses hex in ALDS Game 3 – October 10

Aaron Bummer #39, LHP

62 G | 56 ⅓ IP | 5-5 W-L | SV 2 | 3.51 ERA | 75 SO | 29 BB | 4 HB

➤ Injured List, due to right hamstring strain – June 30–July 15

➤ 3 R/ER on 5 H (1 BB, 7 SO) in 3 ⅓ IP in 3 games of the ALDS. Charged with Game 2 loss.

Retires 5 in a row (3 SO) in 1 ⅔ innings of relief vs. Royals – May 9

Tallies 2nd save (2 total, on the season) vs. Tigers – June 11

Pitches 1-2-3 inning (2 SO) against A’s – September 9

Retires all 5 (4 SO) in 1 ⅔ relief innings in ALDS Game 3 – October 10

Evan Marshall #43, RHP

27 G | 27 ⅓ IP | 0-2 W-L | SV 0 | 5.60 ERA | 26 SO | 9 BB | 0 HB

➤ Injured List, due to season-ending right flexor pronator tear – June 30

➤ Assigned to rehab at Charlotte Knights (AAA) – August 26

➤ In an effort to prepare for the postseason, Evan threw back-to-back games for the Knights, but the soreness returned – September 3-4

Fans Vladamir Guerrero, Jr. and picks off Marcus Semien at 2B, escaping a 1-out-2-on jam in the 7th vs. Jays – June 8

Leaves game in 7th inning with right forearm soreness – June 29

Garrett Crochet #45, LHP

54 G | 54 ⅓ IP | 3-5 W-L | SV 0 | 2.82 ERA | 65 SO | 27 BB | 1 HB

➤ White Sox select Garrett’s contract near the end of last season – September 18, 2020

➤ Injured List, due to upper back strain – April 29–May 7

➤ 0 R/ER on 5 H (1 BB, 4 SO) across 2 ⅓ IP in 3 games of the ALDS

Pitches a scoreless 8th frame (0 H, 0 BB, 2 SO) and gets win vs. Jays – June 8

Strikes out 4 (0 R, 1 H, 1 BB) in 2.0 IP vs. Twins – August 11

Craig Kimbrel #46, RHP

24 G | 23.0 IP | 2-2 W-L | SV 1 |5.09 ERA | 36 SO | 10 BB | 3 HB – White Sox only

➤ Assigned to National League All Stars (representing Cubs) – July 12

➤ Traded from Chicago Cubs for 2B Nick Madrigal and RHP Codi Heuer – July 30

➤ 3 R, 2 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 0 SO across 2.0 IP in 3 games of the ALDS

Comments on being traded to the White Sox – July 30

Pitches clean inning in White Sox debut – July 31

Records 1,000th career strikeout — August 16

Earns first—and only!—save with White Sox (1 H, 0 BB, 1 SO) vs. Jays – August 26

Can we get Nick Madrigal back?

Ryan Tepera #51, RHP

22 G | 18.0 IP | 0-0 W-L | SV 1 | 2.50 ERA | 24 SO | 7 BB | 1 HB – White Sox only

➤ Traded from Cubs for LHP Bailey Horn – July 29

➤ Injured List, due to right index finger laceration – September 14–October 1

➤ 1 R/ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 3 SO across 4 ⅔ IP in 3 games of the ALDS

On heading across town to the White Sox – July 29

Grabs his first—and only!—save (0 H, 0 BB, 2 SO) with White Sox vs. Rays – August 20

Makes totally pointless sign stealing accusations against Astros – October 11

Booo…

Ryan Burr #61, RHP

34 G | 36 ⅔ IP | 2-1 W-L | SV 0 |2.45 ERA | 33 SO | 21 BB | 1 HB

➤ White Sox select Ryan’s contract from Charlotte Knights (AAA) – May 27

➤ Makes first appearance with White Sox since 2019 – May 30

Makes stellar diving catch to snag a bunt vs. Indians – June 1

Retires 6 in a row (2 SO) in clean 2.0 inning start (0 H, 0 BB) vs. Mariners – June 27

Fields comebacker and throws runner out at 2B for a double play to end the 6th vs. Angels – September 16

Matt Foster #63, RHP

37 G | 39.0 IP | 2-1 W-L | SV 1 | 6.00 ERA | 40 SO | 13 BB | 2 HB

➤ Matt was on the active roster through July 15, then regularly sent down to and called up from Charlotte Knights (AAA), through the end of the season.

Throws a 1-2-3 close (2 SO) vs. Royals – May 16

Pitches a 2.0 inning close (1 H, 2 BB, 3 SO) and works himself out of a bases-loaded jam with a swinging strikeout to end the game vs. Tigers – June 12

José Ruiz #66, RHP

59 G | 65.0 IP | 1-3 W-L | SV 0 | 3.05 ERA | 63 SO | 25 BB | 0 HB

➤ On the active roster all season, from Opening Day through the ALDS

➤ Takes the mound with 2 outs in the 7th, and retires 4 in a row (1 SO) in Game 1 of the ALDS

Pitches a 1-2-3 close (1 SO) vs. Twins – July 7

Hurls 3 consecutive strikeouts to end the game vs. Cubs – August 8

Mike Wright, Jr. #, RHP

13 G | 18.0 IP | 0-1 W-L | SV 0 | 5.50 ERA | 11 SO | 11 BB | 2 HB

➤ White Sox selected Mike’s contract from Charlotte Knights (BB) – August 16

➤ Designated for assignment – October 1

Induces 5-4-3 double play in 2.0 frame close (1 H, 1 BB, 1 SO) of shutout game against A’s – August 17

Ejected, along with Tony La Russa (91), after hitting Shohei Ohtani – September 16

Gives up 1 R/ER on 1 H (1 BB, 1 SO) in 2.0 inning close vs. Rangers – September 19

World Series – October 26-November 3, 2021

Houston Astros vs. Atlanta Braves,
In an All-Deep-South World Series :/
Best-of-Seven Series

2021 MLB World Series Light Banner
MLB Advanced Media, LP

2021 Fall Classic

Braves win 2021 World Series 4-2,
their first in 26 years,

fourth in franchise history

PRE-SERIES CONTENT

FastCast highlights from ALCS and NLCS

WORLD SERIES GAME 1

Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at 7:09 pm CDT
Minute Maid Park
Braves / Charlie Morton, RHP at
Astros / Framber Valdez, LHP
On FOX

Braves 6Astros 2
WP: A.J. Minter (1-0, 3.38) | LP: Framber Valdez (0-1, 22.50)
MLB Headline:
Braves overcome another injury, dominate G1

PRE-GAME CONTENT

MLB Tonight breaks down Framber Valdez

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

Game highlights from mlb.com

Braves on winning Game 1

Dusty Baker on Game 1 defeat

WORLD SERIES GAME 2

Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 7:09 pm CDT
Minute Maid Park
Braves / Max Fried, LHP at
Astros / José Urquidy, RHP
On FOX

Braves 2Astros 7
WP: José Urquidy (1-0, 3.60) | LP: Max Fried (0-1, 10.80)
MLB Headline:
Astros knot Series: ‘We needed that game’

PRE-GAME CONTENT

Game 2 Preview on MLB Tonight

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

Game highlights from mlb.com

Astros on winning Game 2

Brian Snitker on split in Houston

WORLD SERIES GAME 3

Friday, October 29, 2021 at 7:09 pm CDT
Truist Park
Astros / Luis Garcia, RHP at
Braves / Ian Anderson, RHP
On FOX

Astros 0Braves 2
WP: Ian Anderson (1-0, 0.00) | LP: Luis Garcia (0-1, 2.45)
MLB Headline:
Braves nearly unhittable, seize 2-1 WS lead

PRE-GAME CONTENT

Analysts preview Game 3 on MLB Tonight

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

Game highlights from mlb.com

Braves on Game 3 win

Dusty Baker on lack on offense in Game 3

WORLD SERIES GAME 4

Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 7:09 pm CDT
Truist Park
Astros / Zack Greinke, RHP at
Braves / Dylan Lee, LHP
On FOX

Astros 2Braves 3
WP: Tyler Matzek (1-0, 2.70) | LP: Cristian Javier (0-1, 10.80) | SV: Will Smith (2)
MLB Headline:
Back-to-back HRs put Braves on cusp of title

PRE-GAME CONTENT

Analysts break down Braves starter Dylan Lee on MLB Tonight

Analysts on Astros bullpen on MLB Tonight

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

➤ With tonight’s 2-run HR, José Altuve moves into 2nd place on the all-time postseason HR list—23.

Game highlights from mlb.com

Braves on Game 4 win

Dusty Baker on missed chances in Game 4

WORLD SERIES GAME 5

Sunday, October 31, 2021 at 7:15 pm CDT
Truist Park
Astros / Framber Valdez, LHP at
Braves / Tucker Davidson, LHP
On FOX

Astros 9Braves 5
WP: José Urquidy (2-0, 3.00) | LP: A.J. Minter (1-1, 7.71)
MLB Headline:
Clutch Astros send series back to Houston

PRE-GAME CONTENT

MLB Tonight crew breaks down Tucker Davidson

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

Game highlights from mlb.com

Astros discuss Game 5 victory

WORLD SERIES GAME 6

Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 7:09 pm CDT
Minute Maid Park
Braves / Max Fried, LHP at
Astros / Luis Garcia, RHP
On FOX

Braves 7Astros 0
WP: Max Fried (1-1, 4.91) | LP: Luis Garcia (0-2, 5.68)
MLB Headline:
Braves win first World Series title since 1995

PRE-GAME CONTENT

MLB Tonight breaks down Max Fried’s pitching arsenal

Dusty Baker on Game 6

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

Max Fried pitches an absolute gem in Astros shutout—0 R on 4 H, with 0 BB, 0 HB, and 6 SO. Superfantastic!

Game highlights from mlb.com

Freddie Freeman on long road to World Series title

Max Fried on pitching in World Series Clincher

Jorge Soler wins Willie Mays World Series MVP Award

Brian Snitker on winning the Fall Classic

American League Championship Series – October 15-23, 2021

2021 MLB ALCS Light Banner
MLB Advanced Media, LP

American League Championship Series

Houston Astros vs. Boston Red Sox
Best-of-Seven Series

Astros win series 4-2,
win American League Pennant,

advance to World Series

PRE-SERIES CONTENT

➤ Astros ace Lance McCullers, Jr. is not expected to pitch in the ALCS vs. the Red Sox. McCullers was taken out of ALDS Game 4 against the White Sox with “forearm stiffness.” Unofficially, McCullers is not available due to a strained forearm. This changes everything!

Update from Dusty Baker on Lance McCullers, Jr.’s injury

Mark DeRosa on Astros-Red Sox matchup on MLB Network

Analysts on impact of Lance McCullers, Jr.’s absence from ALCS on MLB Network

Sarah Langs looks at both Championship Series on The Beat Report

Alex Cora talks pitchers for Games 1 & 2 and preparing for ALCS

J.D. Martinez workout day presser

Dusty Baker looks ahead to ALCS, thoughts on home field advantage

Mark DeRosa on elements of the “Green Monster”

ALCS GAME 1

Friday, October 15, 2021 at 7:08 pm CDT
Minute Maid Park
Red Sox / Chris Sale, LHP at
Astros / Framber Valdez, LHP
On FOX

Red Sox 4Astros 5
WP: Ryne Stanek (1-0, 0.00) | LP: Hansel Robies (0-1, 9.00)
MLB Headline:
‘That was some game’: Astros up 1-0 on Sox

PRE-GAME CONTENT

Analysts preview ALCS Game 1 on MLB Now

Chris Sale on starting Game 1

Framber Valdez on ALCS and starting Game 1

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

➤With tonight’s home run, José Altuve is tied (with Derek Jeter) for 3rd place for most postseason home runs in MLB history.

Alex Cora post-game presser

Kiké Hernández on his clutch homer and Game 1 loss

Dusty Baker on star players coming through in Game 1

José Altuve on Game 1 win

ALCS GAME 2

Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 3:20 pm CDT
Minute Made Park
Red Sox / Nathan Eovaldi, RHP at
Astros / Luis Garcia, RHP
On FOX and FS1

Red Sox 9Astros 5
WP: Nathan Eovaldi (1-0, 5.06) | LP: Luis Garcia (0-1, 45.00)
MLB Headline:
Sox regain swagger in satisfying Game 2 win

PRE-GAME CONTENT

Lance McCullers, Jr. updates reporters on his injury

Nate Eovaldi on “locking back in mentally” for ALCS and starting Game 2

Luis Garcia on improvements, pitching at home in Game 2

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

J.D. Martinez and Rafael Devers make Red Sox the first team in postseason history to smash 2 grand slams in a single game.

➤ And, yeah, Kiké hit another home run and played great defense.

➤ Astros starter Luis Garcia leaves game in 2nd inning with right knee discomfort.

Game highlights from mlb.com

J.D. Martinez on his Grand Slam

Nate Eovaldi talks run support

Alex Cora says a new best-of-five series starts now, with the first three games in Boston

Dusty Baker on falling behind early

Luis Garcia provides update on his knee injury

ALCS GAME 3

Monday, October 18, 2021 at 7:08 pm CDT
Fenway Park
Astros / José Urquidy, RHP at
Red Sox / Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP
On FS1

Astros 3Red Sox 12
WP: Eduardo Rodriguez (1-0, 4.50) | LP: José Urquidy (0-1, 27.00)
MLB Headline:
Schwarber, E-Rod dominate in Sox’s G3 rout

PRE-GAME CONTENT

Analysts look at Astros starters on on MLB Now

Analysts on Game 3 pitching matchup on MLB Central

Analysts on Kiké Hernández’s hot streak on The Rundown

Eduardo Rodriguez on getting Game 3 start at home

José Urquidy on starting Game 3 in Boston

Alex Cora discusses ACLS with analysts on High Heat

Dusty Baker on preparing for Game 3 at Fenway

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

➤ With Kyle Schwarber’s 430′ grand slam in the 2nd, the Red Sox become the first team with 3 grand slams in a postseason series.

Game highlights from mlb.com

Alex Cora breaks down Game 3 win

Dusty Baker presser

ALCS GAME 4

Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 7:08 pm CDT
Fenway Park
Astros / Zack Greinke, RHP at
Red Sox / Nick Pivetta, RHP
On FS1

Astros 9Red Sox 2
WP: Kendall Graveman (1-0, 0.00) | LP: Nathan Eovaldi (1-1, 10.50)
MLB Headline:
Astros STUN Fenway in 7-run 9th, knot ALCS

PRE-GAME CONTENT

Mark DeRosa on Nick Pivetta’s stuff

Zack Greinke on rest and starting Game 4

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

Game highlights from mlb.com

Nick Pivetta on his performance in Game 4

Analysts on Red Sox pitching in Game 4 on MLB tonight

Alex Cora on team’s mindset after Game 4 loss

ALCS GAME 5

Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 4:08 pm CDT
Fenway Park
Astros / Framber Valdez, LHP at
Red Sox / Chris Sale, LHP
On FS1

Astros 9Red Sox 1
WP: Framber Valdez (1-0, 2.53) | LP: Chris Sale (0-1, 3.38)
MLB Headline:
Framboso! Lefty lifts Astros to cusp of AL title

PRE-GAME CONTENT

Alex Cora on Chris Sale

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

Game highlights from mlb.com

Framber Valdez on his dominant 8-inning start

Chris Sale and Christian Vázquez on Game 5 defeat

Alex Cora on Game 5 loss

Dusty Baker on the win

ALCS GAME 6

Friday, October 22, 2021 at 7:08 pm CDT
Minute Maid Park
Red Sox / Nathan Eovaldi, RHP at
Astros / Luis Garcia, RHP
On FS1

Red Sox 0Astros 5
WP: Luis Garcia (1-1, 6.75) | LP: Nathan Eovaldi (1-2, 6.97)
MLB Headline:
Astros reach 3rd World Series in 5 seasons

Dusty Baker becomes the 9th manager in MLB history to win both the AL and the NL Pennant.

Astros set postseason record for most runs scored with 2 outs.

➤ Astros DH Yordan Álvarez crowned ALCS MVP

➤ Dominican Sister Mary Catherine of the Rally Nuns throws ceremonial first pitch.

PRE-GAME CONTENT

Analysts preview ACLS Game 6 on The Rundown

Nate Eovaldi on starting Game 6

Alex Cora on Game 6

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

Game highlights from mlb.com

Nate Eovaldi and Kyle Schwarber on disappointing loss

Alex Cora on losing Game 6 and ALCS

Luis Garcia and Yordan Álvarez on winning ALCS

Dusty Baker on Game 6 win and returning to the World Series

National League Championship Series – October 16-24, 2021

2021 MLB NLCS Light Banner
MLB Advanced Media, LP

National League Championship Series

Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Best-of-Seven Series

Braves win series 4-2,
win National League Pennant,
advance to World Series

PRE-SERIES CONTENT

➤ The Dodgers regular season win record (106) vs. the Braves (88), constitutes the largest win differential (18 games) in NLCS history, and the 5th largest of any LCS matchup across both leagues. But the Braves have been hitting well, so far, in the postseason.

➤ Dodgers first baseman Max Muncy remains injured and will not play in the NLCS.

Mark DeRosa rundown on upcoming NLCS on MLB Network

Analysts on the NLCS matchup between the Dodgers and the Braves on The Rundown

Sarah Langs looks at both Championship Series on The Beat Report

Analysts on Dodgers use of an opener in Game 5 of NLDS on MLB Network

Brian Snitker on facing Dodgers in NCLS

Freddie Freeman on NCLS and the use of openers

NLCS GAME 1

Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 7:08 pm CDT
Truist Park
Dodgers / Corey Knebel, RHP at
Braves / Max Fried, LHP
On TBS

Dodgers 2Braves 3
WP: Will Smith (1-0, 0.00) | LP: Blake Treinen (0-1, 27.00)
MLB Headline:
Riley plays G1 hero with HR, walk-off knock

PRE-GAME CONTENT

Max Fried on NLCS Game 1 start against Dodgers

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

➤ Both MVPs—Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman—go 0-for-4.

➤ Miracle man, Austin Riley, comes through with a solo shot in the 4th, and a walk-off RBI single.

Game highlights from mlb.com

Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies on rocking Game 1

Max Fried and Tyler Matzek on Game 1 win

Trea Turner on facing Max Fried at the plate

Dave Roberts comments on Austin Riley and Dodgers offense

Brian Snitker talks walk-off win in Game 1

NLCS GAME 2

Sunday, October 17, 2021 at 6:38 pm CDT
Truist Park
Dodgers / Max Scherzer, RHP at
Braves / Ian Anderson, RHP
On TBS

Dodgers 4Braves 5
WP: Will Smith (2-0, 0.00) | LP: Brusdar Graterol (0-1, 13.50)
MLB Headline:
Braves walk off Dodgers AGAIN in NLCS G2

PRE-GAME CONTENT

Max Scherzer on getting Game 2

Ian Anderson on facing Dodgers in Game 2 start

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

Game highlights from mlb.com

Analysts break down Dodgers late-game managerial decisions

Analysts on Max Scherzer’s Game 2 start on MLB Tonight

Max Scherzer on pitching with a fatigued arm in Game 2 loss

Dave Roberts on disappointing 5-4 loss in Game 2

Eddie Rosario and Ozzie Albies on walk-off win

Austin Riley and Joc Peterson on big Game 2 win

NLCS GAME 3

Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 4:08 pm CDT
Dodger Stadium
Braves / Charlie Morton, RHP at
Dodgers / Walker Buehler, RHP
On TBS

Braves 5Dodgers 6
WP: Tony Gonsolin (1-0, 4.50) | LP: Luke Jackson (0-1, 21.60) | SV: Kenley Jansen (1)
MLB Headline:
Belli breathes life into LA with clutch HR

PRE-GAME CONTENT

Analysts preview NCLS Game 3 starters on MLB Tonight

Brian Kenny on Dodgers “five decisive decisions”

Analysts on Austin Riley’s career since entering the league on MLB Network

Walker Buehler on pitching Game 3

Dave Roberts presser ahead of Game 3

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

Game highlights from mlb.com

Dave Roberts and Dodgers discuss Game 3 win

Brian Snitker on bouncing back from Game 3 loss

NLCS GAME 4

Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 7:08 pm CDT
Dodger Stadium
Braves / Jesse Chavez, RHP at
Dodgers / Julio Urías, LHP
On TBS

Braves 9Dodgers 6
WP: Drew Smyly (1-0, 5.40) | LP: Julio Urías (0-1, 10.50)
MLB Headline:
Rosario leads Braves to 3-1 NLCS edge

➤ Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner leaves game in the 7th with apparent hamstring injury.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

Game highlights from mlb.com

Dave Roberts on Urías’ outing and confidence in lineup

Braves on winning Game 4

NLCS GAME 5

Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 7:08 pm CDT
Dodger Stadium
Braves / Max Fried, RHP at
Dodgers / Joe Kelly, RHP
On TBS

Braves 2Dodgers 11
WP: Evan Phillips (1-0, 0.00) | LP: Max Fried (0-1, 5.91)
MLB Headline:
Taylor’s EPIC 3-HR game keeps LA going

➤ Dodgers become the first team in postseason history to have a 3-HR player (Chris Taylor) and a 2-HR player (AJ Pollack) in a single game.

➤ Dodgers starter Joe Kelly suffers a bicep strain and leaves the game in the 1st inning.

PRE-GAME CONTENT

Analysts on Dodgers use of pitchers

Dave Roberts on Justin Turner’s hamstring strain

Max Fried on getting the nod for Game 5

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

Game highlights from mlb.com

Dodgers on Game 5 win over the Braves

Dave Roberts on Joe Kelly status

Max Fried and Freddie Freeman on Game 5 loss

NLCS GAME 6

Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 7:08 pm CDT*
Truist Park
Dodgers / Walker Buehler, RHP at
Braves / Ian Anderson, RHP
On TBS

Dodgers 2Braves 4
WP: Tyler Matzek (1-0, 3.00) | LP: Walker Buehler (0-1, 7.04) | SV: Will Smith (1)
MLB Headline:
‘Pure joy’ for Braves: 1st pennant since ’99

Eddie Rosario wins NLCS MVP award.

PRE-GAME CONTENT

➤ On Friday, Dodgers announce that Walker Buehler, rather than Max Scherzer, will start Game 6.

Analysts on Max Scherzer not starting Game 6 on MLB Tonight

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

Braves share their emotions after winning NLCS

American League Division Series I – October 7-13, 2021

2021 MLB ALDS Banner
MLB Advanced Media, LP

American League Division Series I

Tampa Bay Rays (1 – 100-62, .617) vs.
Boston Red Sox (4 – 92-70, .568)
Best-of-Five Series

Red Sox win series 3-1,
advance to ALCS

PRE-SERIES CONTENT

Rays manager Kevin Cash on facing the Red Sox

Red Sox manager Alex Cora on Wild Card win and facing the Rays

ALDS I – GAME 1

Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 7:07 pm CDT
Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay
Red Sox / Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP at
Rays / Shane McClanahan, LHP
On FS1 and MLB Network

Red Sox 0Rays 5
WP: Shane McClanahan (1-0, 0.00) | LP: Eduardo Rodriguez (0-1, 10.80)
MLB Headline:
Randy Arozarena steals home, show as Rays roll

PRE-GAME CONTENT

Eduardo Rodriguez on starting Game 1

Shane McClanahan on starting Game 1

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

ALDS I – GAME 2

Friday, October 8, 2021 at 6:02 pm CDT
Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay
Red Sox / Chris Sale, LHP at
Rays / Shane Baz, RHP
On FS1 and MLB Network

Red Sox 14Rays 6
WP: Tanner Houck (1-0, 1.80) | LP: Collin McHugh (0-1, 16.20)
MLB Headline:
Liftoff! Sox bash 5 homers to knot up ALDS

PRE-GAME CONTENT

Chris Sale on starting Game 2

Shane Baz on starting Game 2

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

On offense and defense, the Red Sox play with heart! Kiké Hernández goes 5-for-6 (4 are extra base hits), J.D. Martinez goes 4-for-5, Xander Bogaerts, Christian Vázques, and Alex Verdugo all go 3-for-5!

Alex Cora on offensive outburst

ALDS I – GAME 3

Sunday, October 10, 2021 at 3:07 pm CDT
Fenway Park
Rays / Drew Rasmussen, RHP at
Red Sox / Nathan Eovaldi, RHP
On FS1 and MLB Network

Red Sox 6Rays 4 / 13
WP: Nick Pivetta (1-0, 3.12) | LP: Luis Patiño (0-1, 13.50)
MLB Headline:
Vázquez’s walk-off HR ends thrilling classic

PRE-GAME CONTENT

➤Red Sox Starter Nathan Eovaldi is the only five-pitch, major league pitcher with a usage rate over 10% for all five.

Drew Rasmussen speaks ahead of Game 3

Nathan Eovaldi on getting the ball in Game 3

Analysts on Eovaldi’s regular season success against the Rays on MLB Tonight

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

Stellar pitching from Nate Eovaldi, who gives up 2 R/ER on 3 H, striking out 8 (1 BB) in 5.0 IP, and Nick Pivetta, who throws all 4.0 extra innings, giving up no runs on 3 H, striking out 7 (1 BB). Pivetta was to have started Game 4 tomorrow. The 13th inning features a once-in-forever ground-rule double, and a 2-run, walk-off HR by Christian Vázquez–PH.

Nate Eovaldi tallies 8 strikeouts in 5.0 inning start

Nick Pivetta punches out 7 in 4.0 extra innings of relief

Nick Pivetta on his key role in Game 3 win

Crew Chief Sam Holbrook explains quirky, game-saving ground-rule double that might never be repeated

Kevin Kiermaier’s drive bounces off the wall, off the ground, off right fielder Hunter Ronfroe, then over the wall!

ALDS I – GAME 4

Monday, October 11, 2021 at 6:07 pm CDT
Fenway Park
Rays / Collin McHugh, RHP at
Red Sox / Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP
On FS1 and MLB Network

Red Sox 6Rays 5
WP: Garrett Whitlock (1-0, 0.00) | LP: J.P. Feyereisen (0-1, 2.45)
MLB Headline:
Sox walk off to ALCS, ousting 100-win Rays

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

In his 63rd postseason appearance, Kiké Hernández hits a walkoff sac fly, bringing in Danny Santana, pinch running for Christian Vázquez (leadoff single), to win ALDS. Hernández tallies 9 H, 6 RBIs in the four-game ALDS.

POST-SERIES CONTENT

Kiké Hernández on his walkoff sac fly

Alex Cora on ALDS victory over the Rays

Eduardo Rodruguez on his Game 4 start

Kiké Hernández again

Kevin Cash on cocky Rays well-deserved ALDS loss

American League Division Series II – October 7-13, 2021

2021 MLB ALDS Banner
MLB Advanced Media, LP

American League Division Series II

Houston Astros (2 – 95-67, .586) vs.
Chicago White Sox (3 – 93-69, .574)
Best-of-Five Series

Astros win series 3-1,
advance to their fifth consecutive ALCS

PRE-SERIES CONTENT

➤ This is Yasmani Grandal’s seventh straight postseason.

➤ Coming into the series, Dusty Baker (72) and Tony La Russa (77) have faced off as managers in 208 regular season games. Each has won exactly half, 104 games. This is the first time they have managed against each other in the postseason.

These Baseball Frenemies Have Met Over 200 Times. But Rarely Like This. (New York Times, October 7, 2021)

Tony La Russa on Astros matchup and Abreu’s health

Tim Anderson on the postseason

Yaz on Astros matchup

Liam Hendriks on regular season and ALDS

Dusty Baker on Astros success and ALDS

MLB Tonight covers fifty years of La Russa and Baker

WHITE SOX ALDS 26-MAN ROSTER
AND COVID-19 TAXI SQUAD

Pitchers: Aaron Bummer, Dylan Cease, Garrett Crochet, Lucas Giolito, Liam Hendriks, Craig Kimbrel, Michael Kopech, Reynaldo López, Lance Lynn, Carlos Rodón, José Ruiz, Ryan Tepera. Catchers: Zack Collins, Yasmani Grandal. Infielders: José Abreu, Tim Anderson, Leury García, César Hernández, Danny Mendick, Yoán Moncada, Gavin Sheets. Outfielders: Adam Engel, Billy Hamilton, Eloy Jiménez, Luis Robert, Andrew Vaughn. COVID-19 Taxi Squad: IF Jake Burger, P Ryan Burr, P Matt Foster, P Jace Fry, IF Romy González, OF Brian Goodwin, P Dallas Keuchel, P Evan Marshall, C Seby Zavala.

ALDS II – GAME 1


Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 3:07 pm CDT
Minute Maid Park
White Sox / Lance Lynn, RHP at
Astros / Lance McCullers, Jr., RHP
On FS1 and MLB Network

White Sox 1Astros 6
WP: Lance McCullers, Jr. (1-0, 0.00) | LP: Lance Lynn (0-1, 12.27)
MLB Headline:
McCullers, Astros follow blueprint for a ‘W’
White Sox Postseason: 0-1 (.000), L1

First Pitch: 3:09 PM CDT | Time: 3 hours 34 minutes | Attendance: 40,497

PRE-GAME CONTENT

Lance Lynn on starting Game 1

Lance McCullers previews Game 1 start

STARTING LINEUPS

White SoxAstros
1Tim Anderson, SSJosé Altuve, 2B
2Yoán Moncada, 3BMichael Brantley, LF
3José Abreu, DHAlex Bregman, 3B
4Yasmani Grandal, CYordan Álvarez, DH
5Luis Robert, CFYuli Gurriel, 1B
6Eloy Jiménez, LFCarlos Correa, SS
7Gavin Sheets, 1BKyle Tucker, RF
8Adam Engel, RFJake Meyers, CF
9Leury Garcia, 2BMartín Maldonado, C

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

Lance Lynn throws 74 fastballs, out of 76 total pitches, to the best fastball-hitting lineup in the American League. It simply did not work. He gives up 5 R/ER on 6 H (2 BB, 4SO) in 3⅔ IP. In the 2nd, Lynn issues a lead-off walk to Yordan Álvarez, who scores on a Jake Meyers (major league debut 08/01/2021) RBI 1B. He throws another lead-off walk, in the 3rd, to José Altuve, who scores on an Alex Bregman RBI FC—with a risky, dramatic slide around the tag while reaching back to touch the dish. Also in the 3rd, Alex Bregman scores on a Yordan Álvarez RBI 2B. In the 4th, a Michael Brantley 2-RBI 1B scores Jake Meyers (singled) and José Altuve (doubled). Yordan Álvarez tops it all off with a solo shot, in the 5th. Astros starter Lance McCullers, Jr. was dominant and in full command of his stuff, shutting out the Sox through 6⅔ (4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 SO). José Abreu knocks in the Sox only run, scoring Tim Anderson (singled, advanced to 2B on a Yoán Moncada walk) on an RBI 1B, in the 8th. Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

La Russa on Game 1 loss

Lance Lynn and José Abreu on Game 1 loss

Dusty Baker on Astros win

Lance McCullers on his dominant win

ALDS II – GAME 2

Friday, October 8, 2021 at 1:07 pm CDT
Minute Maid Park
White Sox / Lucas Giolito, RHP at
Astros / Framber Valdez, LHP
On FS1 and MLB Network

White Sox 4Astros 9
WP: Ryne Stanek (1-0, 0.00) | LP: Aaron Bummer (0-1, 81.00)
MLB Headline:
‘Big-inning team’: 5-run 7th has Astros up 2-0
White Sox Postseason: 0-2 (.000), L2

First Pitch: 1:09 PM CDT | Time: 3 hours 52 minutes | Attendance: 41,315

PRE-GAME CONTENT

Lucas Giolito on Starting Game 2

Framber Valdez on Game 2 start

STARTING LINEUPS

White SoxAstros
1Tim Anderson, SSJosé Altuve, 2B
2Luis Robert, CFMichael Brantley, DH
3José Abreu, 1BAlex Bregman, 3B
4Yasmani Grandal, CYordan Álvarez, LF
5Eloy Jiménez, LFYuli Gurriel, 1B
6Yoán Moncada, 3BCarlos Correa, SS
7Andrew Vaughn, DHKyle Tucker, RF
8Leury Garcia, 2B, RF (7th)Chas McCormick, CF
–Jake Meyers, CF (8th)
9Adam Engel, RF
–César Hernández, PH–2B (7th)
Martín Maldonado, C

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

The Sox come out fighting in the 1st, with an Eloy Jiménez FC that scores Luis Robert (singled, advanced to 2B on José Abreu 1B, advanced to 3B on Yasmani Grandal HBP). In the 5th, a Luis Robert 110.3 MPH RBI 1B scores Leury García (singled, advanced to 2B on Tim Anderson 1B), a José Abreu 1B scores Anderson (advanced to 3B on Robert 1B), and a Yasmani Grandal sac fly scores Robert (advanced to 2B on Abreu 1B, advanced to 3B on WP by Astros reliever Yimi Garcia). Lucas Giolito starts out strong, striking out three (all Ks) in the 1st, but struggles unsuccessfully to throw another clean inning. La Russa pulls him when he walks two in the 5th (3 H, 2 R/ER, 5 BB, 4 SO in 4⅓ IP), sending in Garrett Crochet, who walks a third to load the bases. Then Yuli Gurriel’s first hit of the series (1B) ties the game at 4. All four of Houston’s runs scored through the 5th reach on walks. Crochet closes out the inning on a 5-3 DP. The Astros break it wide open in the 7th. Aaron Bummer goes 1B (Altuve), K (Brantley), RBI 1B (Álvarez). Craig Kimbrel, who had been nearly unstoppable for the Cubs, but has been lousy for the White Sox, takes over. After retiring Gurriel (LO), he allows both inherited runners to score on a Carlos Correa 2-RBI double. Then Kyle Tucker slams a 2-run HR, making it 9-4 Astros. With the damage done, a Chas McCormick PO ends the inning. Liam Hendriks pitches a 1-2-3 8th inning (2 SO). In the 9th, a Luis Robert GO advances César Hernández (walked) and Tim Anderson (singled) to scoring position. But Kendall Graveman dashes their hopes, striking out José Abreu (swinging) on three pitches, and retiring Yasmani Grandal (FO). All 18 of the Sox hits in the first two games have been singles. Here’s hoping that the hometown crowd will bring these White Sox to life in Games 3 and 4. With 13 hits in 5 consecutive postseason games, Tim Anderson ties the MLB record he now shares with Hideki Matsui (2004), Fernando Viña (2001-02), and Will Clark (1989). TA is the *first* player to accomplish this in his *first* 5 postseason games. Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

Tony La Russa on Game 2 loss

Tim Anderson and Lucas Giolito on Game 2 loss

Dusty Baker on Astros Game 2 victory

ALDS II – GAME 3

Sunday, October 10, 2021 at 7:07 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field
Astros / Luis Garcia, RHP at
White Sox / Dylan Cease, RHP
On FS1 and MLB Network

Astros 6White Sox 12
WP: Michael Kopech (1-0, 11.57) | LP: Yimi García (0-1, 36.00)
MLB Headline:
Sox ROAR back for raucous fans, force Game 4
White Sox Postseason: 1-2 (.333), W1

First Pitch: 7:08 PM CDT | Time: 4 hours 27 minutes | Attendance: 40,288

PRE-GAME CONTENT

Dylan Cease on getting the Game 3 start

Tony La Russa on Game 3 and Dylan Cease

Rodón on possible Game 4 start—here’s hoping, Carlos!

Luis Robert looks ahead to Game 3

Luis Garcia on starting Game 3

Dusty Baker on Game 3 prep

STARTING LINEUPS

White SoxAstros
1Tim Anderson, SSJosé Altuve, 2B
2Luis Robert, CFMichael Brantley, LF
3José Abreu, 1BAlex Bregman, 3B
4Yasmani Grandal, CYordan Álvarez, DH
5Eloy Jiménez, LF
–Adam Engel, RF (9th)
Carlos Correa, SS
6Yoán Moncada, 3BKyle Tucker, RF
7Gavin Sheets, DH
–Andrew Vaughn, PH–DH (8th)
Yuli Gurriel, 1B
8Leury Garcia, RF, LF (9th)Jake Meyers, CF
–Aledmys Díaz, PH (9th)
9César Hernández, 2BMartín Maldonado, C
–Jason Castro, PH (9th)

Dylan Cease starts off in command with a FO, GO, K 1st inning, but quickly loses control in the 2nd. In their half of the 1st, the White Sox put up the first run on an Eloy Jiménez RBI 1B that scores Tim Anderson (leadoff 1B, advanced to 2B on a Yasmani Grandal BB). In the 2nd, Cease issues 3 BB and gives up a 2-RBI 2B and an RBI 1B, making it 3-1 Astros. Then he walks José Altuve. Tony La Russa pulls Cease and sends in Michael Kopech, who makes the final out. Sox offense goes K, K, BB, GO. In the 3rd, Kopech gives up a leadoff 1B, then retires the next two (SO, FC). Kyle Tucker slams a 2-run homer off Kopech before he fans Yuli Gurriel, for the third out. It’s 5-1 Astros. The momentum shifts in bottom 3rd. First, Grandal launches a one-out, 2-run HR that scores Luis Robert (walked). 5-3 Astros. Later, Los White Sox take the lead with a 3-run homer off the bat of Leury García, the result of (presumably) the first 3-García at-bat in MLB history—midway through Leury’s at-bat, Astros starter Luis García is replaced by reliever Yimi García. Leury’s two-out slam brings home Yoán Moncada and Gavin Sheets (both singled). It’s 6-5 Sox. All hell breaks loose in the 4th. After striking out the first two, Kopech gives up a BB, a 1B, and an RBI 1B, then strikes out Yordan Álvarez, to tie the game at 6. In bottom 4th, Anderson, Robert, and Abreu knock three 1Bs in a row, scoring Anderson, with Robert and Abreu remaining on the corners with no outs. Sox are on top again, 7-6. Next, a disputed play that royally pissed off Dusty Baker ends with Grandal reaching on a FC (unsuccessful put out at the plate), Robert scoring on an E3 (throw from 1B deflected off the left arm of Grandal running way inside the base line), and Abreu advancing to 3B. It’s 8-6 White Sox. Next, Jiménez RBI 1B brings in Abreu, advancing Grandal to 2B. Sheets 1B loads the bases. García reachs on a FC that cuts down Grandal at home, leaving the bases loaded. But César Hernández grounds out to end the inning. That’s a total of 17 hitters with 10 reaching (both sides) in the 4th. 9-6 White Sox. The Sox bullpen shuts down the Astros, thereafter. Ryan Tepera retires six in a row (3 SO) in the 5th and 6th. Aaron Bummer takes the mound in the 7th and retires five in a row (4 SO). Craig Kimbrel makes the last out (GO on a 1-2 count) to end top 8th. With two outs in bottom 8th, Andrew Vaughn RBI 2B scores Moncada (singled), García RBI 2B scores Vaughn, and Anderson RBI 1B scores García. Liam Hendriks closes with LO, K, SO. Tim Anderson goes 3-for-6. He now holds the record for the most hits (16) in six consecutive postseason games in MLB history. Is that a thing?! José Abreu is HBP for the 22nd time this season.

➤ White Sox pitching strikes out 16 Astros—a White Sox postseason record for strikeouts in a single game, and the most Astros strikeouts in a game this season (a different tally than the 16 consecutive outs made by White Sox pitching, in the 4th–9th – see below).

White Sox seal Game 3 win with 16 consecutive outs

In the words of A.J. Pierzinsky, “I’m not gonna say he did that on purpose, but he did that on purpose… The only thing ‘intentional’ about Grandal’s alleged interference was that he didn’t get out of the way!”

Tony La Russa on Game 3 victory over Astros

Yasmani Grandal, Dylan Cease, and Leury García on Game 3 win

Liam Hendriks on the win

Tim Anderson goes 3-for-6, has 16 hits in 6 consecutive postseason games

Dusty Baker on Astros Game 3 loss

ALDS II – GAME 4

Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at 1:07 pm CDT
Guaranteed Rate Field
Astros / Lance McCullers, Jr., RHP at
White Sox / Carlos Rodón, LHP
On FS1 and MLB Network

Astros 10White Sox 1
WP: Yimi García (1-1, 18.00) | LP: Carlos Rodón (0-1, 6.75)
MLB Headline:
Astros romp way to fifth straight ALCS
White Sox Postseason: 1-3 (.250), L1

First Pitch: 1:08 PM CDT | Time: 4 hours 32 minutes | Attendance: 40,170

PRE-GAME CONTENT

➤ Game 4 had been scheduled for Monday, at 2:37 pm CDT, but was postponed due to rain.

Tony La Russa saying things on the day of the rainout

Dusty Baker on the series and the rainout

Astros and White Sox respond to Ryan Tepera’s thinly veiled sign-stealing accusations

STARTING LINEUPS

White SoxAstros
1Tim Anderson, SSJosé Altuve, 2B
2Yoán Moncada, 3BMichael Brantley, LF
3Luis Robert, CF
–Adam Engel, CF (7th)
Alex Bregman, 3B
4José Abreu, 1BYordan Álvarez, DH
5Yasmani Grandal, CCarlos Correa, SS
6Eloy Jiménez, LFYuli Gurriel, 1B
7Gavin Sheets, DHKyle Tucker, RF
8Leury Garcia, RFJake Meyers, CF
–Chas McCormick, CF (2nd)
9César Hernández, 2BMartín Maldonado, C

GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND POST-GAME CONTENT

Tim Anderson goes 0-for-4, but in Game 3 he set the MLB record for most hits in a 6-game span in the postseason—16.

Astros steal four bases, a club postseason record.

The bad throwing omens begin with the first pitch of the game—José Altuve doubles off Carlos Rodón’s 93 MPH fastball to the center of the zone. Rodón fans the next three (2 K), leaving Altuve stranded. The bad hitting omens begin with Tim Anderson’s flyout off the first pitch from Lance McCullers, an 85 MPH slider. Yoán Moncada singles, then advances to 2B on a Luis Robert GO. José Abreu walks, and Yasmani Grandal strikes out swinging, leaving 2 on. Rodón allows Carlos Correa a leadoff 0-2 single, in the 2nd, then retires the next three—all flyouts. Rookie Gavin Sheets slams a leadoff HR—his first career postseason homer and his third hit in two games. César Hernández walks. Leury García and Anderson K. Sox are ahead 1-0, after two. In the 3rd, Rodón strikes out Martín Maldonado and hits Altuve with a 95 MPH fastball. Michael Brantley flies out. Rodón walks Alex Bregman and Yordan Álvarez, to load the bases. Correa knocks an 0-2, 2-RBI double, scoring Altuve and Bregman. It’s 2-1 Astros. Tony La Russa sends in Michael Kopech, who retires Yuli Gurriel on a 3-2 groundout, stranding Álvarez. In the Sox half, Moncada strikes out swinging, Robert singles, and Abreu grounds into a 6-4-3 double play. In the 4th, Kopech gives up a 3-1 single to Kyle Tucker, who steals 2B and 3B. Chas McCormick grounds out. Maldonado scores Tucker on a 2-2 RBI single. Altuve singles on the first pitch. Garrett Crochet steps in, giving up the two inherited runs on a Bregman 2-RBI double, then fanning 2, leaving Bregman on. 5-1 Astros. Grandal gives the Sox their first leadoff hit, but Jiménez grounds into a 4-6-3 double play. Then Sheets hits a double, García walks, and Hernández strikes out swinging, stranding two. In the 5th, Ryan Tepera throws the White Sox only 1-2-3 inning of the game. Astros reliever Yimi García responds in-kind, retiring Anderson, Moncada, and Robert. Tepera remains in to start the 6th. McCormick singles, then advances to 2B on a Maldonado sac bunt. Altuve pops out. La Russa sends in Aaron Bummer who gives up the inherited run on a Brantley RBI single, and strikes out Bregman. 6-1 Astros. Luis Robert leaves the game with a leg injury. Adam Engle subs in, and the Sox fall to Astros reliever Phil Maton in order—Abreu, Grandal, Jiménez. In the 7th, Bummer allows a Guriel single, walks Correa, and retires three others, stranding two. Hernández knocks a single for the Sox, but Sheets, García, and Anderson go down (Anderson is retired by Ryne Stanek, after Dusty Baker makes a late-inning pitching change). Craig Kimbrel train wrecks in the 8th. Maldonado grounds out, then Altuve singles on a 3-2 count and advances to 2B on an E6. Altuve advances to 3B on a wild pitch, then Brantley gets a 3-1 base hit, scoring Altuve. 7-1 Astros. Brantley steals 2B. Bregman pops out, Álvarez walks, and Correa grounds out, stranding two. Astros reliever Kendall Graveman retires Moncada (FO) and Engel (GO), then hits Abreu on a 3-2 count, sending La Russa into a lengthy tirade, that the Crew Chief graciously endures. Grandal grounds out, stranding Abreu. Not that it would have made any difference if he hadn’t, but to top off the big loss, Liam Hendriks bombs. Gurriel singles off his first pitch. Tucker reaches on a 2-2 fielder’s choice (Guriel is out at 2B). Hendriks walks McCormick and strikes out Maldonado, before Altuve smashes a 3-run homer off the first pitch—the 19th postseason HR of Altuve’s career, tying him for 4th of all time. Brantley singles on a 1-0 count. Hendriks strikes out Bregman, stranding Brantley. With Ryan Presley closing for the Astros, the Sox pump out a final heartbeat before flatlining—Jiménez singles, Sheets strikes out swinging, García reaches on a fielder’s choice (Jiménez is out at 2B), and César Hernández grounds out. Watch game highlights from mlb.com:

In bottom 8th, with two outs and a win already out of reach, and gentlemanly José Abreu standing calmly on 1B, Tony La Russa has a cow about Abreu’s 23rd HBP of the season.

In the 2nd, Astros center fielder Jake Meyers injures his shoulder jumping at the wall to grab Gavin Sheets’ smash–a move that looks eerily similar to the one that tore Eloy Jiménez’s pectoral in spring training. Meyers leaves the game.

Gavin Sheets and Carlos Rodón on ALDS loss

Tony La Russa post-game presser

Dusty Baker on winning the ALDS