Chicago’s struggles have been evident throughout the season, with their record now at 31-108. They’re enduring their third-longest skid of the year, following brutal stretches of 21 losses from July 10 to August 5, and 14 losses from May 22 to June 6. To avoid matching the infamous post-1900 loss record of the 1962 New York Mets (who went 40-120), the White Sox would need to somehow scrape together a 12-11 finish. The odds aren't exactly in their favor—they’re on pace to finish 36-126, which would be the second-worst record in Major League history, trailing only the 1899 Cleveland Spiders at 20-134. That’s a bit of grim history in the making, folks.
The Numbers Don't Lie
The White Sox's current form is nothing short of disastrous. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Sox are a shocking 4-41 in their last 45 games. That’s the worst 45-game stretch since the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics. For context, that’s over a century of baseball without seeing a stretch quite this dire. And, leading this slump is Chris Flexen, who hasn’t been able to find his rhythm on the mound. Flexen (2-14) lasted just 3 1/3 innings against the Orioles, surrendering three runs and seven hits. He’s winless in his last 21 appearances (20 starts), sporting a bloated 5.73 ERA since his last win way back on May 8 against Tampa Bay.
This isn't just bad luck or a rough patch—Flexen’s numbers are putting him in infamy alongside the likes of Capuano, who was 0-13 with a 6.12 ERA for Milwaukee across 23 appearances (19 starts) from 2007 through 2010. For those keeping track, Capuano missed the entire 2008 and 2009 seasons following Tommy John surgery. Flexen is painfully aware of his performance issues, saying, "Every time I take the ball, I expect myself to go out and be competitive, have strong outings. I don't think a lot of them have been all that great, a couple of quality starts in there, but overall my performance has been very disappointing on my end." It's a tough admission from a player who knows he’s capable of more but hasn’t been able to deliver.
Baltimore Takes Control
On the other side of the field, the Orioles were firing on all cylinders. Cedric Mullins led the charge with a home run and three RBIs, while Austin Slater and Gunnar Henderson each drove in three runs. Despite an early 2-0 deficit, the Orioles turned it around, showcasing why they’ve dominated the White Sox this season, improving to 5-0 in their matchups.
Gunnar Henderson kicked off the first inning with a bang, blasting a home run into the right-center bleachers. That shot tied him with Orioles legends Cal Ripken Jr. (1991) and Miguel Tejada (2004) for the most home runs (34) by a Baltimore shortstop in a single season. That’s some serious company to keep and a sign of just how impactful Henderson has been.
Baltimore’s Offensive Showcase
If you’re an Orioles fan, it was a game to savor. Baltimore's leadoff hitters reached base in each of the first six innings—a first since July 4, 1997, when they played Detroit. They went 7-for-23 with runners in scoring position, highlighting their aggressive approach and capitalizing on Chicago's pitching woes. By the end of the night, the Orioles had pulled within a percentage point of the AL East-leading New York Yankees, demonstrating that they’re not just hot—they’re in serious contention.
Baltimore's offensive performance was their most prolific since scoring a season-high 17 runs against the Yankees on June 20. Their 18 hits on Monday were the most they’ve tallied since June 21 against Houston, making it clear that when they’re on, they’re really on. "I think that's the offense we believe we are, and it was fun to see it come out today," Slater said, capturing the excitement of the Orioles’ dugout.
What’s Next for the White Sox?
Looking ahead, it’s a daunting road for the White Sox. With a chance of setting the second-worst record in MLB history, the focus might shift to what needs to change for next season. Can the Sox find some momentum to avoid tying or breaking unwanted records? It’s a tall order, and the recent stats don’t inspire much hope.
If you're a fan hanging on through this rough patch, all eyes will be on how the team responds to this adversity. Will they make bold moves in the offseason? Will Flexen find his form? The answers will unfold over the next few weeks, and fans are left hoping for just a glimmer of good news in a season that’s been overwhelmingly bleak.
Final Thoughts
The Orioles’ win was a testament to their resilience and ability to capitalize on opportunities, while the White Sox’s slide is a harsh reminder of how quickly things can go off the rails in Major League Baseball. With history looming, both good and bad, these teams are showcasing the highs and lows of the sport. For the White Sox, it’s about salvaging some pride in what’s left of the season. For the Orioles, it’s a thrilling ride towards the postseason, with every game offering a chance to rewrite their narrative. As fans, we get to witness these storylines unfold, with all the unpredictability that makes baseball such a captivating game.
Login