The Chicago White Sox lost control of the AL Central when they lost to the Cleveland Indians 6-4 on Tuesday night. The biggest reason for the White Sox loss, according to Jim Margalus of South Side Sox, were the 12 walks from the Chicago pitching staff. The control problems started early and continued through the night:
The strategy of starting Hector Santiago against a lefty-vulnerable Cleveland lineup backfired to the tune of five walks over 3⅓ innings, and the rest of the pitching staff followed suit. Seven White Sox pitchers combined to walk 12 batters.
The White Sox also struggled when it mattered at the plate, but still Chicago had a chance to make something happen in the bottom of the ninth. They couldn't capitalize and according to Margalus:
They saved the worst for last. The Indians twice opened the door for the Sox, and they couldn't do anything with it.
The White Sox now stand one game behind the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central; Chicago hosts Tampa Bay at 7:10 p.m. CT on Thursday.