Drew Thorpe pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing just one run. Nicky López contributed with two doubles and two RBIs as the Chicago White Sox edged the Miami Marlins 3-2 on Friday night.
Luis Robert Jr. had a productive game with two hits, two walks, and two stolen bases for the White Sox, who secured their first road series opening game win this season, breaking a streak of 14 losses.
“We had some good at-bats and hit the ball well,” remarked White Sox manager Pedro Grifol. “They made some crucial pitches to limit our scoring. It was a solid all-around baseball game.”
The Marlins, struggling with a five-game losing streak, now possess the worst record in the National League at 30-58.
In just his fifth start in the majors, Thorpe (3-1) had his longest outing yet, lasting into the seventh inning since his call-up on June 11. The rookie allowed three hits, walked two, and struck out five.
“I felt good mixing up my pitches and sticking to the game plan,” Thorpe commented. “Extending into the seventh inning was a milestone for me.”
Thorpe acknowledged the significance of saving the bullpen by going deep into the game.
“It was important to give the bullpen a break,” Thorpe said. “I wanted to finish the seventh, but it didn’t happen.”
Chicago got on the board early against Marlins starter Bryan Hoeing with López’s RBI double in the second inning. Martín Maldonado added an RBI double off Roddery Muñoz in the fourth, extending the lead to 2-0. López struck again in the fifth with another RBI double.
Miami tried to rally in the seventh inning against reliever John Brebbia, scoring on Xavier Edwards’ RBI single. The Marlins loaded the bases with two outs, but White Sox center fielder Robert made a crucial catch at the wall to end the threat.
