For the first time since 2008, the Chicago White Sox will make a postseason appearance after their 4-3 win over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday afternoon at Guaranteed Rate Field.
It’s only the tenth postseason appearance in the history of the franchise, but with the amazing young talent on the roster it could be the start of many more in the next several years.
The Sox took three out of four games against the Twins and now the national media can not help but sit in awe of the team’s accomplishment.
A year ago today, they were 21 games under .500 and 28 games behind the 1st place Twins.
Chicago #WhiteSox become the first team in the American League to clinch a playoff spot.
— Danny Vietti (@DannyVietti) September 17, 2020
They have not appeared in a postseason game since 2008 (4th-longest playoff drought in MLB).
With all the young talent they possess, you have to think this is only the beginning. pic.twitter.com/DolFriWtUY
For a time Thursday afternoon it looked like the Sox might have to wait another day to clinch a playoff spot. They trailed 3-2 in the 7th inning, but the team’s normally explosive bats relied on hustle and guile to take the lead.
Jarrod Dyson began things with a single and then easily stole second. He advanced to third on a Tim Anderson grounder and then Yasmani Grandal drew a two-out walk.
It looked like the inning was over when Jose Abreu hit a grounder to deep short, but Abreu beat the shortstop’s throw and Dyson tied the game.
Wow. Future #WhiteSox MVP José Abreu beats out an infield grounder to tie game. Next hitter, and also future MVP, Eloy Jimenez knocks in the go ahead pic.twitter.com/eRO9vNQIA9
— Bears Barroom (@BearsBarroom) September 17, 2020
Eloy Jimenez followed with an RBI double and the Sox took the 4-3 lead. Codi Heur got the win and Alex Colome the save.
One thing we’re learning about this White Sox team is that they are unfazed by being behind in games.
When your team gets down what's the feeling? @TimAnderson7: "It's nothing" pic.twitter.com/5Y3RBmzPJy
— White Sox Talk (@NBCSWhiteSox) September 17, 2020
Meanwhile, the Twins’ Josh Donaldson made a boneheaded move that got him tossed from the game immediately after hitting a home run.
Donaldson and plate umpire Dan Bellino argued a strike call the pitch before the home run.
Josh Donaldson was ejected after kicking dirt on home plate, after hitting a HR
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 17, 2020
(via @NBCSWhiteSox)pic.twitter.com/Nowt5EtWmy
Right now, it’s the young White Sox who are playing with the poise of a champion and the Twins who are behaving like adolescents.