Rookie Brady Basso allowed five hits through the sixth inning in his first major league win, and the Oakland Athletics beat the Chicago White Sox 2-0 on Friday night, handing Chicago their 16th straight home loss.
The White Sox were shut out for the 18th time this season, ending with six hits. With a record of 33-115, they are nearing the post-1900 record for losses, which is 120 by the 1962 New York Mets in their first season.
Basso (1-0) struck out two and walked one in 5 1/3 innings during his second major league start and fifth appearance. He had previously pitched six scoreless innings in a no-decision against Detroit last week.
The 26-year-old left-hander has been performing well since being recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas on September 5 for his fourth stint with the A’s.
“It’s just been a blast, a dream come true,” Basso said, noting that his parents and wife, Sarah, were at the game.
“I was just commanding the baseball and letting all my guys make plays. I’ve been able to keep the ball on the edges a little better. Early on, I got in trouble leaving balls over the plate.”
Oakland manager Mark Kotsay has been impressed with Basso’s development.
“He just keeps hitters off balance with the change of speeds and he’s done a nice job with that,” Kotsay said. “He’s had a nice year down in the minor leagues and he’s getting this opportunity to showcase going into next season.”
Zack Gelof hit an RBI double, and Brent Rooker added a run-scoring single. The A’s won for the third time in four games.
Michel Otañez took over for Basso after Bryan Ramos walked and Andrew Benintendi singled with one out in the sixth. Tyler Ferguson pitched a perfect eighth inning, and Mason Miller earned his 25th save by working around a single in the ninth.
