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A cubist interpretation of a White Sox pitcher’s delivery captures the fractured, high-intensity action of the game.Chicago Today
Despite not allowing any runs, Chicago White Sox pitcher Shane Smith had one of the strangest outings you’ll see in the team’s 4-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. Smith struck out 8 batters but walked 5 and threw 99 pitches in just 3.2 innings of work, narrowly avoiding any damage. Meanwhile, the White Sox offense continued to struggle, with Andrew Benintendi and Edgar Quero both going hitless.
Why it matters
The White Sox have now lost 10 straight games to the Orioles at home, and their inability to capitalize on Smith’s solid pitching performance highlights ongoing concerns about their offense and bullpen. Smith’s outing raises questions about his command and consistency as the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing start to the season.
The details
Smith struck out 8 Orioles batters, including all 3 outs in the first inning, and won a 12-pitch battle against power hitter Gunnar Henderson with the bases loaded. However, he also walked 5 batters and threw 99 pitches in just 3.2 innings of work, narrowly avoiding any runs. Meanwhile, the White Sox offense continued to struggle, with Andrew Benintendi going 0-for-4 and Edgar Quero finishing 0-for-4 with 2 strikeouts. The bullpen also blew a 2-1 lead in the 8th inning, allowing the Orioles to score 3 runs and take a 4-2 lead they would not relinquish.
Smith struck out all 3 batters in the first inning.Smith won a 12-pitch battle against Gunnar Henderson with the bases loaded.
The players
Shane Smith
The Chicago White Sox starting pitcher who had a bizarre outing, striking out 8 batters but walking 5 and throwing 99 pitches in just 3.2 innings.
Andrew Benintendi
The White Sox outfielder who went 0-for-4 at the plate, continuing his early season struggles.
Edgar Quero
The White Sox catcher who finished 0-for-4 with 2 strikeouts, also struggling at the plate in the early going.
Gunnar Henderson
The Orioles power hitter who was involved in a 12-pitch battle with Shane Smith with the bases loaded.
Will Venable
The White Sox manager who pulled Shane Smith after 3.2 innings despite his high pitch count.
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What they’re saying
“Shane Smith wins the 12-pitch battle!”
— MLB
What’s next
The White Sox will look to avoid the sweep against the Orioles in the series finale on Wednesday.
The takeaway
While Shane Smith avoided allowing any runs, his command issues and high pitch count highlight the ongoing challenges the White Sox are facing with their starting rotation and bullpen. The team’s inability to capitalize on Smith’s solid outing also underscores their offensive struggles, which will need to be addressed if they hope to turn things around against a division rival.