CHICAGO (104.3 The Score) – It has been 120 years since the White Sox last clinched a postseason series win in their home ballpark, that being a victory in Game 6 of the 1906 World Series.
The White Sox had a chance to do so Wednesday, but their fans will have to wait one more day to potentially celebrate such an occasion. The champagne remained on ice as an energized Bridgeport neighborhood was calmed by the end of the White Sox’s 9-3 loss to the Guardians at Rate Field in Game 3 of their American League Division Series.
Suddenly, there's pressure on the White Sox to win Game 4 on Thursday or board a flight back to Cleveland.
"I have 100% confidence," White Sox manager Will Venable said as his clubs holds a 2-1 series lead. "We've done it all year."
Venable has admirably led the White Sox to the cusp of the American League Championship Series with an unorthodox pitching plan. Time after time this season, he has pieced together games carefully while playing matchups to help the White Sox find success.
That’s because the White Sox don't have a starting rotation loaded with thoroughbreds like many of the remaining teams in the postseason. In Game 3, Venable's best intentions blew up.
Left-hander Bryan Hudson, the second of seven White Sox pitchers in the game, recorded just one out while allowing three earned runs, two hits and a walk as the Guardians took control of the game with a four-run third inning. Rookies Hagen Smith and Noah Schultz were each charged with a run as well in following Hudson.
With the White Sox trailing 5-3 entering the eighth inning, Venable almost seemed to wave the white flag on Game 3. He called upon rookie right-hander David Sandlin, who posted a 5.58 ERA this season, and then turned to right-hander Davis Martin in the ninth inning. Each one allowed a pair of runs as the Guardians put the game out of reach.
The White Sox struck out 19 times at the plate and walked 10 hitters on the mound. Even for some bad luck on batted balls, they weren't set up to win this game.
Like the White Sox, the Guardians also used seven pitchers. The difference was left-hander Foster Griffin, a key trade deadline acquisition who hadn’t made an MLB relief appearance since 2022. Griffin threw 2 2/3 innings of one-run ball, striking out seven White Sox hitters.
The Guardians arrived at Rate Field on Wednesday feeling all the pressure to deliver, and they did. They'll once again face elimination Thursday.
"Pressure is external," Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. "You only feel the pressure you put on yourself.
"Win or go home. We got an opportunity to win a ballgame and go back to Cleveland."
The Guardians have been led by a solid starting rotation that was an edge for them entering this series. Meanwhile, the White Sox have used an opener in four of their five playoff contests and relied heavily on bullpen games. That underscores how improbable it is that the White Sox are even on this stage, just one victory from the ALCS. It also reminds of their collective shortcoming and makes the path forward more difficult.
The White Sox started 4-0 in the playoffs on the strength of their pitching-by-committee approach. It was a weakness in Game 3. Like playing Jenga, one piece going awry can bring it all down.
Of course, the White Sox feel ready to respond as they look ahead to Thursday. Their top pitchers are fresh, including closer Grant Taylor – he of a four-inning save in Game 1 on Saturday and another save Monday. After the game, Venable's mind was already processing how his plan would be pieced together.
Inside the White Sox clubhouse, there was no lack of confidence either. For a resilient team, the chance to make history will have to wait one more day.
"Whatever the result, these guys come back the next day," Venable said. "That's really kind of been the story of our group, continuing to bounce back.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears and the Chicago sports scene for 104.3 The Score.
