Texas rookie Wyatt Langford blasted a game-winning RBI single in the 10th inning to clinch a comeback victory over the Chicago White Sox 4-3 on Monday night. Earlier, Leody Taveras, who had hit a home run earlier in the game, began the tenth inning with a sacrifice bunt, moving pinch-runner Travis Jankowski to third base. Marcus Semien, who also homered, struck out, while Steven Wilson deliberately walked Corey Seager and Josh Smith to load the bases. Langford came up and hit a 2-2 pitch that bounced off the left-field wall.
“I’m grateful to have been in that position,” Langford stated. “I don’t think taking that break before going into the box after those deliberate walks is a disrespect. “I appreciate it.” The White Sox (27-75), who have now lost eight consecutive games, took the lead in the ninth inning on Paul DeJong’s solo home run, but their bullpen was unable to hold it, resulting in their MLB-leading 25th failed save of the season. They are only the 12th team in MLB history to lose 75 of its first 102 games.
“It was a tough blow,” said White Sox manager Pedro Grifol. “I thought our guys battled hard all day. We had a productive day’s work. We had some productive meetings addressing some things we needed to address.”
Langford had a one-out double in the ninth inning against John Brebbia, stole third base, and scored the tying run on Jonah Heim’s single up the middle.
“I’ve had some struggles this year, so coming through for the team is meaningful to me,” Heim said. “It didn’t have to be a home run, just a single to keep the momentum going, and we ended up winning the game.”
DeJong’s home run came against All-Star closer Kirby Yates, who had previously converted all 17 of his save opportunities. Yates struck out two batters after entering the game with the score tied.
