White Sox Fall to Rays in Low-Scoring Game

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Left-handed pitcher Noah Schultz expressed satisfaction after striking out Victor Mesa Jr. to close the sixth inning during a game on Saturday. Schultz performed well, allowing only one run over five innings after coming in as the bulk pitcher in the second inning. Despite his strong performance, the Chicago White Sox lost to the Tampa Bay Rays 1-0 at Tropicana Field in front of 23,309 fans.

Schultz conceded three hits and struck out four while issuing no walks. He followed opener Jordan Hicks, who had efficiently retired the opponents in order during the first inning. Schultz noted his efficient 67-pitch outing and emphasized the importance of getting ahead of batters. Team coordination with catcher Edgar Quero played a key role, according to Schultz. White Sox manager Will Venable praised Schultz’s command, particularly highlighting his effective use of sinkers and cutters.

The game’s only score occurred in the fifth inning when Rays center fielder Jonny DeLuca initiated the action with a single to left field. DeLuca advanced to second base by stealing, moved to third on a ground ball, and eventually scored on Nick Fortes’ single to left field with an exit velocity of 70 mph. Despite being limited to five hits, the Rays secured victory with contributions from four White Sox pitchers.

The White Sox struggled offensively, managing just five hits. Edgar Quero contributed two hits, including a significant single in the fifth inning. Despite a throwing error advancing runners, the White Sox failed to capitalize as Sam Antonacci hit a fly out to end the inning. Venable observed the missed opportunities for the team.

Rays starter Drew Rasmussen performed impressively, yielding four hits, walking one, and securing ten strikeouts over six scoreless innings. Antonacci acknowledged Rasmussen’s effective pitching and noted how it disrupted the team’s strategy. The White Sox’s offense faced challenges against elite pitching, but acknowledged the fair competition.

In the ninth inning, Miguel Vargas lined out, and Randal Grichuk struck out, finalizing the game with the victory for the Rays. Venable commented on the quality of the game, praising the pitching and defense exhibited by both teams.

Roch Cholowsky Joins High A Winston-Salem

Roch Cholowsky, drafted in 2026, will join High A Winston-Salem on Monday before their game against Asheville. Sox director of player development, Paul Janish, explained the decision to introduce Cholowsky to professional baseball with hopes for future major league play. This marks Cholowsky’s first opportunity to play consecutively in a week and necessitates the proper development approach.

Drew Thorpe’s Rehabilitation Progress

Following injury recovery, pitcher Drew Thorpe showed promising signs with Double-A Birmingham in a recent game against Chattanooga. He allowed one hit and struck out five batters over four innings. Thorpe’s rehabilitation journey began with Tommy John surgery last year, managing three runs over eight innings in three outings. Expectations are set for his progress to Triple-A after scheduled pitching on Wednesday. Janish expressed optimism for Thorpe’s recovery and performance.