CHICAGO– Jorge Mateo hit a three-run homer and the Baltimore Orioles withstood a Chicago comeback attempt and defeated the White Sox 8-6 on Thursday night in a game that ended with an infield fly and an interference call .
Trailing 8-2 in the bottom of the ninth inning, the White Sox scored four runs to close within 8-6.
With runners on first and second and one out, Andrew Benintendi hit a pop-up to Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson. The inside flight rule was triggered and the umpires ruled that the second runner, Andrew Vaughn, interfered with Henderson. The runner was called out, ending the game and Chicago’s rally. White Sox manager Pedro Grifol came out to argue, to no avail, as the umpires walked off the field.
Anthony Santander also scored and Adley Rutschmann added three RBIs for Baltimore, which snapped a three-game skid after being swept by St. Louis.
In the ninth, Chicago’s first six men reached base before Craig Kimbrel made his 10th save in 13 chances.
Benintendi drove in both runs for MLB-worst Chicago (15-36), which lost its second run. The White Sox are off to their worst 51-game start in the team’s 123-year history.
Grayson Rodriguez (5-1) allowed three hits and both of Chicago’s runs in the first five innings while walking five and striking out seven.
Santander led off the fourth with a solo home run by Mike Clevenger (0-3), tying the game at 2. Mateo gave the Orioles the lead for good with his third home run of the season four batters later.
Baltimore took a seemingly secure lead with a three-run sixth inning that was highlighted by Rutschmann’s two-run single.
In Chicago’s ninth, Tommy Pham had an RBI single, Vaughn was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and Gavin Sheets hit a two-run single to right on the failed comeback.
Clevinger lost his second straight game after giving up the first five runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings. He struck out five and walked three.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Orioles: Placed left-handed starter John Means (forearm strain) on the 15-day injured list before the game and recalled RHP Johathan Heasley from Triple-A Norfolk.
White Sox: Manager Pedro Grifol said DH Eloy Jiménez (left hamstring) will be out “for an extended period of time.” He tightened his base muscles during Tuesday’s win in Toronto and was placed on the 10-day injured list a day later.
NEXT
The series resumes Friday night when Baltimore sends Corbin Burnes (4-2, 2.41 ERA) against Chicago’s Chris Flexen (2-4, 5.48).
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