Phillies, White Sox set for decisive series finale
The Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox will meet Sunday afternoon with their three-game series tied and a series victory on the line.
Chicago evened the series Saturday with a 6-3 win, overcoming highly regarded Phillies rookie pitcher Andrew Painter by striking early and never surrendering control.
The White Sox scored four runs in the opening inning and built a six-run lead before Philadelphia mounted a late response.
“The first inning was obviously what really hurt him,” Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly said about Painter’s outing. “It kind of put us behind at that point, and we hung in there.”
Chicago received home runs from Colson Montgomery and Jacob Gonzalez in the third inning. For Gonzalez, the solo shot marked the first home run of his major league career in just his sixth game.
Despite the milestone, the 24-year-old said he remains grounded as he begins his big-league journey.
“Just with baseball in general, it doesn’t define me,” Gonzalez said. “I have to thank God that I’m here. He is the reason I have this ability. So every day I go out there, try to play, lift him, and know if baseball doesn’t work out, it’s not going to be the end of the world for me.”
The White Sox also benefited from strong offensive performances by Tristan Peters, who collected three hits and an RBI, and Chase Meidroth, who added two hits and drove in a run.
Philadelphia’s offense was led by Brandon Marsh, who finished 2-for-4 with a home run. Alec Bohm also went deep for the Phillies.
“All of it means nothing at the end of the day,” Marsh said. “We have a chance to go win a series against a really good team tomorrow. That’s what we’re all looking forward to doing.”
The White Sox are expected to open Sunday’s game with left-hander Tyler Gilbert before turning to rookie right-hander David Sandlin.
Sandlin enters with a 1-1 record and an 8.10 ERA after experiencing two very different starts against Minnesota. In his major league debut on May 27, he allowed just one run across six innings during a 15-2 victory. However, his most recent appearance produced far different results as he surrendered eight runs in four innings during a 9-6 loss.
“Just didn’t do my job today,” Sandlin said following that outing. “The guys fought, battled their way back. Just didn’t execute, didn’t fill up the zone, and that’s on me.”
Philadelphia will counter with veteran right-hander Aaron Nola, who enters the game with a 3-4 record and a 5.55 ERA.
Nola has shown improved command recently, allowing two runs in each of his last two starts against the San Diego Padres while not issuing a walk in any of his past three outings.
“It’s easier to pitch and mix a little bit more when I’m ahead,” Nola said after his most recent start. “When I’m behind, it’s a little bit harder. Can’t really throw the swing-and-miss curveball, or expand (the zone) as much when you’re getting behind consistently.”
The veteran has also enjoyed success against Chicago throughout his career. In two starts against the White Sox, Nola owns a 2-0 record with a 1.80 ERA and 17 strikeouts across 15 innings.
With the series tied and both teams looking to build momentum, Sunday’s matchup will determine who leaves Philadelphia with a series victory.
