The White Sox were all out of sorts Friday night, a day after clinching their first playoff berth in 12 years. They fell in Cincinnati to the Reds 7-1, but their AL Central lead remains at three games thanks to the Cubs win over the Minnesota Twins.

For the Sox, 23-year-old Jonathan Stiever failed to match his major league debut from a week ago when he allowed just one run over 3.2 innings. Friday night his stat line was a lousy 2.2 innings pitched, five hits and six earned runs allowed. Stiever gave up a three-run homer to Jesse Winker who was mired in an 0-for-23 slump.

The Sox couldn’t generate any offense to match. Outside of lead off hitter Nick Madrigal’s two hits, the rest of the lineup could only come up with two of their own.

Bur, there was good news for Sox fans. They got to see the debut of last June’s first round draft pick (11th overall) Garrett Crochet and he was hotstanding! The fireballer lived up to his reputation.

Crotchet is the first 2020 draftee to reach the majors and is clearly auditioning for a spot on the playoff roster.

Sox GM Rick Hahn told reporters he wanted to see what the rookie could offer over the next ten days.

The stuff speaks for itself. We know the stuff will play long term. We’re just going to see his composure and ability to attack big league hitters. It’s not a small task. We felt given the ability and tools it was a worthwhile opportunity to see if he could be a fit for us.

Rick Hahn, White Sox General Manager

This was the eighth road loss for the White Sox. They lead the American League in fewest road losses.

Dallas Keuchel, just off the 10-day injured list with back spasms, will pitch Saturday for the Sox. They’ll face Trevor Bauer who leads the majors in ERA and WHIP while ranking second in strikeouts, strikeouts per nine innings, hits per nine innings and opponents’ batting average.