White Sox Set Unwanted Franchise Record with 15th Consecutive Loss
On a night when optimism briefly bloomed, the Chicago White Sox found yet another heart-wrenching way to extend their losing streak to an unprecedented 15 games, falling 8-5 to the Kansas City Royals. This defeat marks the longest single-season losing streak in the franchise’s storied 123-year history, topping the previous record of 14 consecutive losses.
The collapse came painfully late in the game. The White Sox, leading 5-2 in the eighth inning, saw their advantage evaporate in a flurry of Royals’ bats. Kansas City managed a stunning comeback, scoring six runs to secure victory. The backbreaker came off the bat of Bobby Witt Jr., who hammered a grand slam in the ninth, part of his impressive 4-for-5 performance that night.
It was a frustrating chapter in what has been a season to forget for Chicago. The team's current record stands at 27-82, and they are on pace for a staggering 122 losses this season, a grim projection that has fans and analysts alike shaking their heads in disbelief. This year has undeniably been one of the most challenging in White Sox history, as the team's form has hit rock bottom.
The team's collapse is part of a broader narrative of struggles. Its previous memorable losing streak spanned 14 games from May 22 to June 6. Another grim benchmark was set between the 1967 and 1968 seasons, but this was over two seasons, unlike the current single-season debacle.
For a bit of context, the Baltimore Orioles hold the modern record for the longest MLB losing streak, with 19 straight losses in August 2021. Remarkably, the Orioles faced two separate losing streaks of at least 14 games in that same season. While the White Sox haven't reached those depths, their current plight draws uncomfortable parallels.
Bobby Witt Jr. deserves a special mention for his recent form. He has been tearing it up in July, boasting a slash line of .468/.488/.810 with six home runs in 20 games. That grand slam against the White Sox was just the latest highlight in what has been an extraordinary month, pushing his OPS from .897 to .988.
As the team languishes, its roster has seen significant upheaval. The White Sox recently traded Erick Fedde and Tommy Pham to the St. Louis Cardinals and dealt Michael Kopech to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-team trade. The rumor mill is also abuzz with speculation about All-Star Garrett Crochet being on the trading block, with a decision expected before the deadline at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
In a season marked by dashed hopes and shattered records, the Chicago White Sox will be seeking solace and stability wherever they can find it. As they push forward, the team and its fans will be hoping this nightmarish run is merely a dark blip in the annals of their long and storied history.