On September 16, 2024, baseball fans were treated to an exhilarating showdown between the Los Angeles Angels and the Chicago White Sox. With both teams battling for playoff positioning, the game was packed with tension, standout performances, and crucial plays that could define their season’s trajectory.
The Angels vs. White Sox clash had something for everyone, from impressive pitching to key at-bats. In this recap, we’ll break down the major highlights, pivotal moments, and how this game impacts both teams as the regular season draws close.
Whether you missed the action or want to relive it, here’s everything you need to know about the Angels vs. White Sox game on 9/16/2024.
Benintendi’s Two-Homer Night Powers White Sox to Victory Over Angels
On Monday night, Andrew Benintendi powered the Chicago White Sox to an 8-4 victory over the Los Angeles Angels, hitting two home runs and driving in four. This win secured the White Sox’s first three-game winning streak in nearly three months. As Benintendi’s performance continues to impress, fans and bettors will pay close attention to White Sox Player Props.
Interim manager Grady Sizemore praised Benintendi’s outstanding form during this stretch. The outfielder has been on fire, going 6 for 12 with three home runs and six RBIs, delivering against right-handed and left-handed pitchers, and consistently stepping up when the team needs him most.
This win marked only the fourth time the White Sox have put together at least three consecutive victories this season, the first since their late June run against Atlanta and Colorado. The team also took two out of three from Oakland over the weekend, snapping a streak of 20 consecutive series losses.
Looking ahead, the White Sox will aim to match their season-high winning streak of four games on Tuesday, a feat last achieved in early May against Tampa Bay and Cleveland.
Sizemore noted the challenge of securing wins this season and emphasized how much the team values each victory. He also highlighted the positive atmosphere in the dugout, with the players in good spirits after stringing together a few consecutive wins.
White Sox Aim to Avoid Record Losses
The 2024 Chicago White Sox is rapidly heading towards a place in baseball history for all the wrong reasons. After reaching 100 losses on August 25 in their 131st game, the team seems poised to set a major league record for the most losses in a single season. As of September 17, the White Sox hold a 36-115 record.
Earlier in the season, the Sox tied an American League record with a 21-game losing streak, which spanned from July 10 to August 5 and ultimately resulted in the dismissal of manager Pedro Grifol and several coaching staff members on August 8. So, the team is working hard to avoid more record losses this season.
They are fighting to avoid surpassing the post-1900 record of 120 losses set by the 1962 expansion New York Mets. Chicago’s road record of 16-57 also remains far from the post-1900 record of 65 road losses by the 1935 Boston Braves.
First baseman Andrew Vaughn, who contributed with two hits and drove in two runs, emphasized that the team is focused on giving their best effort each day and is not concerned about what lies ahead.
Early Offense Sets the Tone
The White Sox jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning in a matchup between two teams with the worst records in the American League. Benintendi opened the scoring early against Angels starter Reid Detmers (4–7) with a two-run home drive to right field.
After two pitches, Vaughn launched a fastball through the left-center wall for back-to-back home runs. This is the White Sox’s fifth home run of the season, although it hasn’t happened since June 13.
Benintendi continued his offensive dominance in the second inning, driving in Zach DeLoach with a grounder to extend the lead to 5-0. He then launched his team-leading 19th home run of the season in the seventh inning, a solo shot to right-center.
Lenyn Sosa also contributed, leading off the third inning with a homer to push Chicago’s lead to 7-1.
Rookie Pitcher Steps Up
Rookie pitcher Jonathan Cannon (4-10) pitched 6 2/3 innings, earning his second win in three September starts. He tied his season-high with seven strikeouts, allowing four runs and three hits.
Meanwhile, the Angels’ struggles continued, losing their sixth consecutive game. Despite rookie Eric Wagaman’s first major-league homer and a solo shot by Charles Leblanc, Los Angeles couldn’t catch up.
Angels Face Historic Loss Record
The Angels’ 90th loss came in their 150th game, making it the fastest they’ve reached that number in franchise history. They are battling to avoid setting a new franchise record for losses, with 95 being the current mark in 1968 and 1980. In Ron Washington’s first season as manager, the Angels are also looking to prevent their 10th straight losing season.
Washington noted that Detmers struggled to find his rhythm on the mound and appeared to lose focus as things didn’t go his way, ultimately allowing seven runs over 5 1/3 innings.
Injury Updates
- White Sox: Third baseman Yoán Moncada was activated from the 60-day injured list after recovering from a left adductor strain that sidelined him since April 10.
- Angels: Center fielder Mike Trout, who has a left knee injury, is contemplating a potential position change for next season. Meanwhile, second basemen Michael Stefanic, who experiences right calf tightness, Brandon Drury, who suffers from left hamstring tightness, as well as outfielder Mickey Moniak (left hand), were absent from the lineup.
Final Words
As the 2024 season winds down, both teams fight to finish strong despite challenging records. The White Sox will aim to extend their winning streak, while the Angels aim to avoid setting any unwanted franchise records.
