White Sox rebound against Astros in possible playoff preview

In a matchup between two of the American League's top teams, Lucas Giolito and Carlos Rodón helped the Chicago White Sox fight back against Houston's powerful offense.

Giolito pitched a three-hitter in Chicago's 10-1 victory Saturday, then Rodón allowed one hit in seven innings Sunday as the White Sox blanked Houston 4-0. Those two victories came after the Astros swept a four-game series against the White Sox last month and beat Chicago 7-1 on Friday night.

The White Sox (56-36) now have the best record in the American League, and they lead the AL Central by eight games. Houston (56-38) has a 3 1/2-game advantage atop the AL West. The Astros lead the major leagues in runs despite Alex Bregman's injury problems and George Springer's offseason departure.

Houston finished the 2020 regular season with a sub-.500 record but still came within a victory of reaching the World Series thanks to the expanded playoffs. The Astros again look formidable this year.

If they face Chicago in the playoffs, that matchup would pit Houston's Dusty Baker against Tony La Russa of the White Sox in a matchup of two of the most famous managers of this era — and this weekend, Chicago certainly showed it has the pitching to compete.

NEVER A DULL MOMENT

A week in the life of the New York Mets:

Monday — Slugger Pete Alonso wins the Home Run Derby.

Friday — Star shortstop Francisco Lindor leaves the game against Pittsburgh with soreness on his right side. New York loses 4-1 in a game that includes a bench-clearing incident.

Saturday — Lindor goes on the injured list. Ace Jacob deGrom's status is also up in the air because of forearm tightness. The Mets take a 6-0 lead into the bottom of the eighth before Pittsburgh scores five runs to make a game of it. It's 7-5 in the bottom of the ninth when New...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/White-Sox-rebound-against-Astros-in-possible-16323460.php