Maybe it’s not the quality of opposing pitching that’s the problem. White Sox hitting coach Greg Walker had singled out the high level of opposing starters the Sox had been exposed to during their recent seven game skid as a possible rationale for the lack of offense.
But on Saturday afternoon, the White Sox were nearly no-hit by Brad Penny. A Brad Penny who went into the game against the Sox with a 8.44 ERA. Penny took his no-hitter into the sixth, when a controversial call ruled a Brent Morel grounder a hit rather than an error. The White Sox grabbed a few more hits off the Detroit bullpen after Penny exited, but still couldn’t put together enough to score some runs, let alone make up the nine run deficit.
Edwin Jackson had little control over his slider, and was roughed up on the day. He gave up seven runs on twelve hits over 5 2/3 innings. He also walked four and struck out three.
The White Sox will try to salvage a game of the series on Sunday afternoon. First pitch will be at 12:05 P.M., CDT.