A Return for the Books: Crochet Helps Red Sox Top White Sox 3-1

Summary:

• Garrett Crochet struck out 11 over 7 1/3 dominant innings, helping the Boston Red Sox defeat the Chicago White Sox 3-1 on Sunday.
• Crochet’s return to the South Side was one to remember.
• The Red Sox will meet Tampa Bay on Monday, while the White Sox will return home on Tuesday.

Garrett Crochet made his return to the South Side one to remember.

Facing his old club for the first time since being traded, Garrett Crochet, the 24-year-old lefty was electric on the mound. Striking out 11 over 7 1/3 dominant innings as the Boston Red Sox topped the Chicago White Sox 3-1 in the MLB game on Sunday afternoon.

The win helped Boston avoid a sweep and snap a rough stretch that saw them lose five of their previous six games.

Crochet, who was sent to Boston in December as part of a trade that included four prospects, one of them being Chase Meidroth, nearly no-hit his former team.

The bid ended with just five outs to go when Meidroth, of all people, lined a single into left with one out in the eighth. That was enough for manager Alex Cora to make the call to the bullpen.

Still, Garrett Crochet (2-1) was the story of the day. In total, he threw 96 pitches, including 65 for strikes, and kept the White Sox off balance from the start.

The Red Sox offense didn’t need to do much. Trevor Story provided all the spark they needed, driving in two with a wind-blown double to right in the sixth, then launching a solo homer in the ninth to give Boston a bit of breathing room.

It was a frustrating play in the sixth for Chicago, who looked like they had Story’s fly ball contained.

Right fielder Brooks Baldwin tracked it to the corner and got a glove on it near the wall, but the swirling wind knocked it loose, allowing both runners to score.

“That was a tough break” said White Sox starter Shane Smith (0-1), who pitched well in the loss, allowing just two runs over six innings.

Chicago scratched across a run in the eighth when Matt Thaiss drove in Meidroth with a single off reliever Garrett Whitlock, but Joshua Palacios struck out, and Miguel Vargas flew out to end the threat.

Aroldis Chapman closed it out in the ninth for his third save.

The Red Sox head to Tampa Bay next, where Tanner Houck (0-1, 4.41 ERA) is set to face off against Shane Baz (1-0, 1.38 ERA) on Monday.

The White Sox return home Tuesday, with Sean Burke (1-2, 6.08 ERA) slated to start against the Oakland A’s.