Tim Anderson Ends Year-Long Drought with Home Run in Win Over Guardians
Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson ended his year-long home run drought in spectacular fashion on Saturday night as he propelled his team to a 7-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. Anderson’s performance, coupled with a strong outing from pitcher Mike Clevinger, helped the White Sox secure their second consecutive win following a six-game losing streak.
Anderson, a two-time All-Star and the 2019 AL batting champion, hadn’t hit a home run since July 15, 2022, due to injuries that plagued him over the past two seasons. However, he broke his drought with a 429-foot blast to left field in the first inning of the game against the Guardians.
Clevinger, making his return from the injured list, showcased his skill on the mound by pitching five shutout innings. He allowed only two singles, walked none, and struck out three batters against his former team. Clevinger had been sidelined for six weeks due to right biceps inflammation, with his last appearance on June 14 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The White Sox provided ample run support for Clevinger’s strong outing. Andrew Vaughn contributed a two-run homer, while Yoán Moncada drove in two runs to help extend the team’s lead. Luis Robert Jr. and Eloy Jiménez added to the scoring with RBI singles in the seventh inning, securing a comfortable win for the White Sox.
On the opposing side, the Cleveland Guardians struggled to generate offense against the White Sox pitching staff. Steven Kwan had three hits, and José Ramirez contributed two, but the team couldn’t capitalize on their efforts. Tyler Freeman managed to drive in a run off reliever Keynan Middleton, and Cleveland added another run in the ninth inning.
The game wasn’t without its drama, as Cleveland manager Terry Francona was ejected in the first inning after arguing a call with first base umpire Todd Tichenor. With this ejection, Francona remained tied with Hall of Famer Casey Stengel for 13th place on the career wins list with 1,926.
The victory for the White Sox marked an essential milestone in Tim Anderson’s season as he ended his year-long home run drought. It also served as a morale boost for the team as they strive to secure their position in the competitive AL playoff picture. With the win, the White Sox improved their record to 52-53, while the Guardians slipped back under .500.
Looking ahead, the Guardians’ RHP Aaron Civale (4-2, 2.54 ERA) is set to face the White Sox’s RHP Michael Kopech (4-8, 4.29 ERA) in the series finale on Sunday. The game will be a crucial opportunity for both teams to make their mark as they battle for a spot in the playoffs.
In summary, Tim Anderson’s home run ended a year-long drought and propelled the Chicago White Sox to a 7-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. Anderson’s powerful performance, combined with strong pitching from Mike Clevinger, highlights the resilience and determination of the White Sox as they strive for success in the AL playoff race.
