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Coming into today, the Chicago White Sox sat at 5-8 on the season. Although it has been a tough few weeks to start the year for the Sox, their bullpen has given fans something to smile about. From closer Addison Reed to long man Hector Santiago, the South Siders pen has keep them in pretty much every game in 2013.
Tonight was no different. Throwing four innings of one-run ball, the Pale Hose relievers were a big reason the Sox beat the Toronto Blue Jays by a score of 4-3.
After Dylan Axelrod worked six innings, allowing one run on seven hits, the Sox bullpen was once again called upon to give their team a chance to win.
The first man out of the pen tonight was lefty Santiago. Not allowing a base runner in his 1.2 innings of work, Santiago improved on his fantastic start to 2013. Although I believe he should be given the opportunity to start, for now it seems as if manager Robin Ventura will rely on Santiago to pitch out of the bullpen almost on a nightly basis.
Matt Lindstrom was the next Chicago reliever brought into the ballgame, and he was able to retire the only batter he faced. Although he recorded just one out tonight, Lindstrom earned his first win of the season.
Closer Addison Reed came on for the ninth as usually for the Sox. Reed did surrender his first run of the year, but the right-hander was still able to slam the door shut on the Jays. The young reliever is now 5-for-5 in save opportunities in 2013, and if the Sox can keep giving him chances to record saves, Reed has the ability to be an All-Star closer.
Moving forward, I fully expect the Sox bullpen to continue to dominate their opponents. This, hopefully, will allow Chicago to steal some wins as they did tonight in Toronto. Although I’m sure Ventura and the Sox rather have their starters pitch further into games, it’s nice to know you have the arms in your pen to keep your squad in striking distance.
Matt Malecha is a Chicago White Sox writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattMalecha and add him to your network on Google.
