Red Sox Fall to White Sox, 8-3, Extend Losing Streak to 4 Games

The Red Sox season continued to sink further into ignominy Tuesday night at Fenway Park, as they lost to the White Sox, 8-3. The loss, the second in as many games to Chicago, extended the Red Sox’ losing streak to four games.

Brandon Workman took the loss, falling to 1-3 with a 4.13 ERA. He went seven innings, giving up five runs, three earned, on eight hits, including a home run, and two walks with five strikeouts.

After the Red Sox came back from three runs down to tie the score in the fifth, Workman let the White Sox pull away the very next inning.

With two outs Conor Gillaspie wrapped a two-run home run around the Pesky Pole in right field, scoring Jose Abreu, who singled to open the inning, giving the White Sox a 5-3 lead.

Chicago opened the scoring with two runs in the second. Adam Dunn led off with a walk, followed by consecutive singles by Alexei Ramirez and Gillaspie to load the bases. But Mike Napoli’s error on Dayan Viciedo’s grounder allowed one run to score, with another scoring on Alejandro De Aza’s double play before Workman struck out No. 9 batter Tyler Flowers to end the inning.

Chicago added a run in the fourth when Gillaspie, who doubled with one out, scored on De Aza’s two-out single, giving the White Sox a 3-0 advantage.

But the Red Sox came back in the fifth, sending eight batters to the plate. Brock Holt led off with his team-leading third triple of the season, scoring on Dustin Pedroia’s double. After David Ortiz flied out to deep center, moving Pedroia to third, Mike Napoli’s double scored Pedroia, and Jonny Gomes and Xander Bogaerts connected on consecutive singles to tie the game, 3-3. But, after Stephen Drew walked, Mookie Betts’ swinging bunt ended the rally.

Chicago added three runs in the ninth when they batted around against Burke Badenhop and Craig Breslow.

MVP: Connor Gillaspie
Gillaspie went 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, two runs scored and two RBI. His sixth-inning, two-run home run (his second of the season) with two outs was the difference in the game.
GOAT: Brandon Workman
Workman tied his career high with seven innings, giving up five runs, three earned, on a career-high with eight hits, two walks, and five strikeouts. It was his third straight start allowing four or more runs, after not allowing more than three runs in his previous eight starts.
After his team came back from a three-run deficit to the game in the fifth, Workman gave the lead back the very next inning on Gillaspie’s two-run homer.
Workman was optioned back to Triple-A Pawtucket after the game to make room on the roster for Rubby De La Rosa, who will make a spot start on Wednesday.
ICYMI:
Gillaspie wrapped his home run just inside the Pesky Pole in right field.
QUOTE/TWEET OF THE GAME:
“This homestand has not been what we anticipated coming off the road trip.” – Manager John Farrell
NUMBERS TO KNOW:
The Sox’ three-run fifth inning snapped an 18-inning scoreless streak that began in the eighth inning against Baltimore on Sunday…David Ross threw out two would-be basestealers, the first time he has thrown out multiple runners since Sept. 21, 2013, against the Blue Jays, when he threw out three…Brock Holt is now batting .360 (32-for-89) against lefties.
WHAT IT MEANS:
The Sox are now 39-51, a season-worst 12 games under .500 and have lost seven of eight games on the current 10-game homestand, riding a four-game losing streak. They fell to 21-26 at Fenway, and 9-40 when their opponent scores first.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Red Sox and White Sox continue their series Wednesday at 7:10 p.m. at Fenway Park, with the third of the four-game set. Right-hander Rubby De La Rosa will be called up to make the spot start, and will be opposed by left-hander Chris Sale (8-1, 2.16).
In five major league starts this season De La Rosa has posted a record of 2-2 (2.51). He last appearances was June 21, when he took a no-decision against the A’s, going seven innings, giving up one run on four hits and a walk with seven strikeouts. In 12 starts for Triple-A Pawtucket this season he is 2-4 (3.45).
De La Rosa is being called up for this start because both Jon Lester and John Lackey started Saturday’s weather-induced rainout against the Orioles. Instead of pitching on short rest, Lester will take his turn on Thursday in the series finale.
In his last nine starts Sale is 5-1 (2.10) with two complete games. In his last outing, Friday against the Mariners, he went nine innings, giving up on run on six hits with no walks and 12 strikeouts.
In six career appearances against the Red Sox, he is 1-0 with a 0.71 ERA, allowing one earned run in 12 2/3 innings. He has faced them once already this season, taking a no-decision on April 17 when he went seven innings, giving up one run on one hit – a Xander Bogaerts home run. He threw a career-high 127 pitches in that game, but went on the disabled list the next day with a flexor muscle strain in his left arm.