Lance Lynn Strikeouts 16 in Loss
Typically, when you see a pitcher throw seven innings, have 33 swings and misses on pitches, and strikeout 16 of the batters they faced would seem like a good outing. History will tell a different story as Lance Lynn dominated the Seattle Mariners, allowing four hits and three walks, but gave up three earned runs allowing the Mariners to finish a 5-1 win over the White Sox.
This ties the White Sox record for most strikeouts in a game, last done by Jack Harshman, on July 25, 1954
According to OptaSTATS, this is only the third time this century that a pitcher struck out 16 batters but their team lost by 4 runs. The other two were Cliff Lee in 2011, and Randy Johnson in 2001.
The White Sox’s lone run came in the sixth off an Andrew Benintendi single. The runs for the Mariners came from a two-run RBI double off of Julio Rodriguez’s bat in the third, and a triple from Jarred Kelenic in the eighth. While it will remain a loss in the books, it was a much-needed start for Lynn, who has not been his dominant self this year.
The two-time All-Star carries a 4-8 record with a 6.51 ERA in 15 starts on the season. Although he has struck out 102 batters closing in on his number last year at 124. The loss puts the White Sox in 4th place for AL Central teams 31-42. The win pushed the Mariners to a .500 record, 35-35, 4th in their division as well.
The Mariners take a travel day on Monday, while the White Sox look to contend with the red-hot Texas Rangers.