After Chicago White Sox Break 21-Game Losing Streak, What’s Next For The Team?

A chaotic spiral came to an end last week as the Chicago White Sox prevailed over the Oakland Athletics 5-1 to end their 21-game losing streak and move to 28-88 on the year. Their 21-game skid tied the 1988 Baltimore Orioles while falling two games shy of the 1961 Philadelphia Phillies, who lost 23 consecutive games. The record belongs to the 1889 Louisville Colonels, who lost 26 straight in a 27-111 season.

Jonathan Cannon was credited with the win as he gave up an earned run while striking out five in six innings. Andrew Benintendi hit a two-run homer, in addition to Andrew Vaughn and Lenyn Sosa hit RBI singles to contribute to the win. The outfielder’s score-opening blast marked Chicago’s first lead since July 30.

“You go out there and you try to win every game. And when you do, it feels good,” reliever John Brebbia said. “It was nice to stand out there and shake hands with everyone because we got a W.”

Manager Pedro Grifol was fired as a result of the White Sox’ struggles. Chicago is on pace to finish 39-122, which would be the MLB’s worst record since the 1899 Cleveland Spiders, who finished 20-134.

Oakland played along with the streak by blaring Taylor Swift‘s “22” over the loudspeakers to taunt Chicago before losing. “They pitched well,” Oakland skipper Mark Kotsay said. “We only scored one run, so they deserved to win the game. They played a good, clean game and we didn’t generate any offense.”

“I think it’s all just a sigh of relief,” Cannon remarked. “We’re all major league players, we’ve got a lot of confidence in ourselves to go out and do our jobs every night.” Prior to Tuesday night, the White Sox haven’t won since July 10 in the first game of a doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins.