Chicago White Sox: 3 takeaways from the Tigers series sweep

The Chicago White Sox needs their starters to keep doing what they are doing.

Carlos Rodon simply carried the White Sox to a defensive gem against the Tigers in the last game of their series, and on a day when the Sox bats went quiet. Rodon picked up his sixth win of the season, just one win behind Lance Lynn, who leads the team with seven wins.

Rodon had a no-hitter watch going through six innings until Eric Hasse recorded one in the seventh inning. In seven innings pitched, Rodon allowed one hit, one run, and two walks. He struck out nine in the game to add to his team-leading 97 strikeouts on the season.

The Sox starting pitching core has been outstanding this season but even the slightest opportunity can be given to opponents through the Sox relief pitching. Take the Sox second game versus the Blue Jays for example. Lynn pitched seven innings and allowed one earned run through that span. Aaron Bummer replaced Lynn and allowed three earned runs, giving up the lead and costing the Sox the game to take his fourth loss of the season.

The White Sox starters need to carry the momentum of games and make it to the consistent relief pitchers like Liam Hendriks. Hendriks has 17 saves on the season which is tied for third in the MLB. He has a 2.22 ERA and has struck out 44 batters this season.

The point being, the Sox need to tighten up their relief pitching or allow their starters to go the long haul. We should be seeing some of this action on June 14 when Lance Lynn takes on Tyler Glasnow of the Rays in a highly anticipated pitching matchup.