The Chicago White Sox avoided a record-breaking loss for the third day in a row, winning 7-0 against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday thanks to Chris Flexen’s strong pitching.
With this victory, Chicago’s record improved to 39-120, completing a three-game sweep of Los Angeles. They have been tied with the 1962 New York Mets for the modern major league record for losses since their 4-2 defeat at San Diego on Sunday.
“We’ve played really good baseball these last three games, so it’s really good to see,” said first baseman Andrew Vaughn.
The White Sox finished their home games with a 23-58 record. They have three more games this weekend against the Detroit Tigers, who are competing for an AL wild card spot.
“I think guys are excited after this series,” said interim manager Grady Sizemore. “It’s going to be a fun atmosphere there. These guys are playing for (the) postseason. We’re going there to compete and not make it easy and try to get wins and try to just keep going.”
Flexen (3-15) struck out seven batters in 6 1/3 innings, earning his first win since May 8. He had gone 23 starts without a win, setting a franchise record.
Flexen received cheers from the crowd of 15,678 as he left the game on a sunny afternoon.
“It was awesome,” Flexen said. “Especially after the last couple nights, hearing some boos after winning a game. It’s been tough, but to have a real ovation there was pretty special.”
The Angels fell to 63-96, setting a franchise record for losses in a season. They finished their last trip with a 1-6 record, ending with a 31-50 record on the road, the most road losses since 1996 when they went 27-53.
“I haven’t processed anything yet,” said catcher Logan O’Hoppe. “It’s pretty sickening, going in the spring and expecting things to turn around, and then it happens. We’ve got a good group in here, and it doesn’t feel like what the record shows, but the record is what it is.”
