This was not the start to the playoffs that the White Sox had in mind. They’re down 2-0, their pitching has been horrendous, and their bats have yet to come alive. However, there is some good news for my fellow Sox fans — and as you’ll see, the Sox still have a good shot.
Reason #1: Next Two Games At Home
The Sox have been quite good this year at home. So have the Astros, which I think is partly the reason that the Astros took the first two. The Sox aren’t especially good on the road either, making these two games, after two possible underperformances, look very winnable. The Sox will also be having blackout games for these two, giving that home field advantage an extra boost.
Reason #2: The Bats Can Come Alive
As you’ve likely seen this season, the White Sox have some pretty good hitting. Luis Robert and Yasmani Grandal are two of the hottest hitters in baseball, meaning the Sox can come alive at any point in the game red hot. They also have reigning MVP Jose Abreu in the lineup, making this team always a threat to go deep and score runs.
Reason #3: The Sox Were Streaking
Before the Sox hit the playoffs, they were red hot. They had taken 6 of the last 7, including some against the Reds, Indians, and Tigers. There’s no reason to believe that the Sox can’t do the same against the Astros; 3 in a row is only half of the 6 they had at one point.
Reason #4: Rodon Is Most Likely Going To Be Pitching Out of The Bullpen
This may not seem big, but, trust me here, it is. Carlos Rodon has been, when healthy, one of the best pitchers in the MLB. He closed out the season with a 2.37 ERA, a superb season. He won’t be starting Game 3 but he will, most likely, pitch 2 or 3 innings out of the ‘pen. And when he does, the most likely outcome will be that they’re scoreless.
Reason #5: Anything Can Happen
This may not seem like an encouraging finishing reason, but it’s baseball. The worst of teams can take 2 out of 3 against the best of teams. Anything can happen. These are two fairly evenly matched teams, so, if the Astros can take 2 in a row, the Sox can take 3. We’ll have to wait and see.
In conclusion, it’s only 3 games to win. The White Sox can do it. I still believe.
Photo Credit: @whitesox Twitter
