The White Sox still hold the crown in the AL Central, but the lead is narrow, and letting the Pirates sweep them didn't do the south siders any favors. The White Sox still hold a 1.5 game lead over the Cleveland Guardians, but with a three game head-to-head series in Cleveland only a few days away, that lead could easily vanish.
Before the White Sox take on the Guardians, though, they have a three game stint in St. Louis against the Cardinals before making their way to Cleveland on September 14th. Though the Cardinals haven't been eliminated from Wild Card contention, they do remain 6.5 games away, and a below .500 record at 72-75. The Cardinals have been better on the road this season, but alternatively, the White Sox have been significantly worse while traveling.
The White Sox need their bats to protect a shrinking division lead
It's been a rough September for the White Sox, who have gone 3-6 since starting the month off with a win in Houston. Their recent play hasn't been consistent with the team that won seven straight toward the end of August.
"You never want to get swept, and certainly not here down the stretch. At the same time, I think our clubhouse and our vibe inside there is in a really good spot."Will Venable
Venable's comments on the matter show that the clubhouse understands the mission. They're not ignorant to the position they're in, and that's why Sox fans expect to see their team playing to win.
In the series against the Pirates, Chicago recorded 16 hits in 27 innings, while Pittsburgh posted 35. For the Pirates to only outscore the White Sox 15-5 on the series may say something about the White Sox defense, but the bats were feeble. Yet you could have the best defense in the league and it won't matter if you don't have an offense to back it up.
The White Sox are better hitters than they've shown, and to score five runs on only 16 hits is impressive. But they'll need to improve if they're to hold onto their divisional lead. The White Sox have an opportunity in St. Louis to rebuild their cushion before Cleveland gets a direct shot at first place. Their bats need to make that opportunity count.
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