Luis Robert Jr. makes history (100 HR/100 SB) but the White Sox fall 4-3 to the Mariners in a walk-off loss on Aug 8, 2025, completing a painful sweep.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was the best of times and the worst of times on a Friday night in Seattle. In a game that perfectly encapsulated the 2025 season, the White Sox found a new and excruciating way to lose, falling 4-3 in 11 innings to the Mariners. The walk-off loss sealed a painful sweep, but amidst the sting, a monumental achievement shone through: Luis Robert Jr. officially joined franchise royalty, cementing his place as a cornerstone of the team's future.
Luis Robert Jr. becomes just the fourth player in White Sox history with 100 home runs and 100 stolen bases.
Just when you thought they had it. After Lenyn Sosa scampered home on a wild pitch in the top of the 10th, it felt like the Sox might finally steal a win. But a costly throwing error allowed the Mariners to tie it, setting the stage for Dominic Canzone's walk-off single in the 11th. The loss overshadowed a solid start from Rule 5 pick Shane Smith, who fanned eight over five innings, and home runs from Michael A. Taylor and Brooks Baldwin. Despite the defeat, the power surge continues, as the Sox have now clubbed a league-leading 37 homers since the All-Star break.
The undisputed highlight of the night, and perhaps the month, belongs to La Pantera. By swiping his 100th career base in the 8th inning, Luis Robert Jr. joined the exclusive 100/100 club, a testament to his rare blend of power and speed. He was a one-man wrecking crew all night, going 3-for-4 with a double and a walk, reaching base four times. In a 42-73 season, moments like these are what fans cling to. Robert Jr. isn't just a star; he's a history-maker and the engine this team will build around.
While the big-league club struggles, the farm system continues to offer promise, albeit with its own set of challenges. Shane Smith's emergence as a key rotation piece is a huge win, and Braden Montgomery is tearing it up at Class A. The organization also recognized Blake Makarewicz as the Minor League Player of the Month for July. However, it's not all good news. Top prospect Colson Montgomery was sent to Arizona for a reset after struggling in Triple-A, and the system has been decimated by pitching injuries, with four Top 30 arms, including prized acquisition Drew Thorpe, lost for the year to Tommy John surgery. The future is bright, but it's also fragile.
The sweep in Seattle is a tough pill to swallow, capping off a brutal road trip. Now, the Sox head home to face the Guardians, hoping a little home cooking can snap this four-game skid. With Aaron Civale taking the mound, the team will look to reset and build on the glimmers of hope provided by players like Robert Jr. and Smith. It's another test of resilience in a season full of them, but with the future slowly taking shape, every game is a chance for the young core to prove itself.
