Andrew Benintendi launched a two-run homer as the Chicago White Sox ended their American League record-equalling 21-game losing streak on Tuesday night, defeating the Oakland Athletics 5-1.
Jonathan Cannon allowed just one run over six innings, aiding the White Sox in securing their first win since early July.
“It felt really good to finally put this behind us. I believe we played a solid game today,” said White Sox manager Pedro Grifol. “Winning is always fantastic, and winning after a 21-game skid is even more special. I’m proud of these guys.”
On Monday, Chicago matched the longest losing streak since the 1988 Baltimore Orioles, who lost 21 games in a row, after falling to the Athletics 5-1. The NL record since 1900 is held by the 1961 Philadelphia Phillies, who endured 23 consecutive losses. The all-time low belongs to the 1889 Louisville Colonels, a team from the American Association that lost 26 games straight during a dismal 27-111 season.
Despite the victory, the White Sox kept their celebrations muted. They exchanged high-fives as they left the field and low-key music played in the clubhouse afterward.
“I think it’s just a huge sigh of relief,” Cannon remarked. “We’re all major league players and have a lot of confidence in our abilities to perform each night. It just wasn’t clicking for us. I’m glad we could come together tonight. It was a collective team effort.”
Cannon (2-5) had previously gone winless in six road starts this season. The rookie right-handed pitcher permitted six hits, recorded five strikeouts, and issued two walks in what marked his first victory since July 10.
“I believe Cannon possesses that ‘it’ factor, which indicates his strong will to succeed,” Grifol commented. “It almost seemed like this losing streak would not persist on his watch. That’s how it felt.”
During warmups, Taylor Swift’s song 22 played from the loudspeakers at the Coliseum, tauntingly as a crowd of 5,867 sang and danced along.
Having last claimed victory on July 10 against Minnesota in a doubleheader opener, Chicago improved to 28-88. The White Sox have been limited to one run or none in 32 games this season.
“They executed a solid game tonight, and we failed to generate any offense,” stated A’s manager Mark Kotsay. “For that team over there, I’m sure they’re thrilled to have ended their losing streak with a win.”
