The Rays edged the White Sox 4-3 on July 23, snapping their win streak. Despite a homer from Baldwin & big plays from Robert Jr., the Sox fell short. Read why this loss still has 2005 vibes.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
All good things must come to an end, and for the White Sox, that meant their blistering four-game winning streak. A tight 4-3 loss to the Rays at Tropicana Field on Wednesday stung, especially with the go-ahead run scoring late. But as the dust settles on their best second-half start since a certain magical season in 2005, this loss feels less like a step back and more like a deep breath before the plunge into a crucial homestand.
Even in a tough loss, the energy in this clubhouse is special.
The Sox jumped out to an early lead thanks to a familiar source of power. Brooks Baldwin continued his post-All-Star break tear, launching a two-run homer in the second inning. Starter Drew Cannon was solid, battling through six innings and giving his team a chance to win. But the Rays chipped away, and the usually reliable bullpen couldn't slam the door. Jordan Leasure, one of the team's best arms, took the tough-luck loss in the eighth, allowing the decisive run on a sacrifice fly. It was a classic 'one that got away' game, ending the road trip on a sour note.
Despite the final score, the individual performances were a reminder of why this team suddenly feels so dangerous. Baldwin's homer was his second in as many games, cementing his role as an offensive catalyst. Meanwhile, Luis Robert Jr. continues to play like an MVP candidate. He went 2-for-4 with an RBI and, more notably, swiped his 20th base of the season. That puts him in the exclusive 20-homer, 20-steal club before August—a feat no Sox player has accomplished since 2012. His blend of power and speed is the engine driving this team forward.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves, but you can't ignore the parallels. This four-game win streak was the team's best start to a second half since the 2005 World Series champions. The offense has been electric, scoring 38 runs in the last five games. More importantly, the vibe is different. Manager Pedro Grifol praised the team's 'special' clubhouse energy even after the loss, and players like Miguel Vargas are posting on social media that 'this team is just getting started.' The players are keeping their postgame celebration details 'top secret,' adding to the mystique and building a bond that feels different from years past.
So, the streak is over. But the confidence isn't. The White Sox now return to the South Side for a massive six-game homestand, and it kicks off with the one series that always means more: the Crosstown Classic against the Cubs. With the offense firing on all cylinders and a newfound belief in the clubhouse, this is the perfect test. Forget the loss in Tampa; all eyes are on what happens next at Guaranteed Rate Field.
