White Sox not dwelling on frustrating loss with crucial Detroit series next

CHICAGO -- The White Sox moved up the first pitch by one hour of Thursday’s series finale against the Reds at Rate Field due to a forecast of inclement weather.

Unfortunately for the American League Central leaders, they weren’t able to finish what they started at 12:10 p.m. CT.

Cincinnati claimed a series-clinching 9-8 victory in a bit of a gut punch for the White Sox (62-58), whose lead in the division dropped to 2 1/2 games. The Detroit Tigers are the next closest team to the South Siders, and manager Will Venable’s crew just happens to have three games at Comerica Park on the schedule this weekend.

“Yeah, I'm excited about it. All these series are important to us,” Venable said. “We treat each one of these with the utmost respect, and we’re excited about the opportunity to go in there and play a divisional rival. I'm excited about the opportunity.”

Davis Martin had another abbreviated start after being limited to one inning Sunday against the Guardians due to an extended storm and delay. The right-hander came back on short rest Thursday, and gave up three runs in the first inning on home runs from Sal Stewart and Eugenio Suárez.

Of the 23 runs allowed by Martin over his last five starts, 15 of those have come in the first inning. But this short stint wasn’t about the weather or a lack of effectiveness.

In the third inning, Martin threw two pitches high and inside to Stewart, who admired his long ball in the first for a bit. The second pitch caught Stewart on the bill of the cap, leading to both benches and bullpens emptying and Martin being ejected for the first time in his career.

Erick Fedde (three innings) and Trevor Richards (2 2/3 innings) gave the White Sox length to put them in decent position going into Detroit. But the White Sox still will need a starter Friday, leading into Anthony Kay and Sean Burke’s starts on Saturday and Sunday.

“We like to talk about how we are really good at segmenting series, bouncing back,” Martin said. “There’s a reason we only have one four-game losing streak. We just do a really good job of segmenting series, compartmentalizing each series into what it is. It’s a kick in the teeth. You pick yourself up tomorrow and do it again.”

“Kind of a tough series,” said Venable of losing two of three to the Reds. “Kind of to end the homestand on a whole, some tough stuff that went on, but 3-3 on the homestand, it could be a lot worse with the way things unfolded. So, proud of the guys for continuing to battle and find a way to get some wins there.”

Tanner McDougal made his Major League debut in the sixth inning, making him the 15th White Sox player to do so during the 2026 season, following the most recent -- Hagen Smith, who has pitched twice in the past week. McDougal retired Elly De La Cruz on a groundout to start the inning, but walked three straight before hitting Suárez to force home a run.

“Trying to do too much, trying to be too cute,” said McDougal, who called Thursday a dream come true despite the wildness. “I was just overthrowing. And then just trying to find it, but I should have went to a different offering rather than continuing to throw heaters, especially with the way I was missing.

“Again, it’s part of it. And just looking forward to the next one and what I can build on for that one.”

Martin dealt with a blister forming on his middle finger after the second inning, but he didn’t feel it would hamper his next start. Venable said Martin would make his next start at Wrigley Field if he’s healthy, despite Martin’s ERA rising to 4.32 after Thursday’s wild ride.

“There are signs where you see it and signs when you lose it,” said Martin of his command. “Just the consistency, trying to find it.

“Obviously a little frustrating, but there are signs that it’s in there. I’m really confident I’m going to find it and I’m going to be a key piece down the stretch. Just keep working, keep grinding and go from there.”