HOUSTON — Starting pitcher Sean Burke played a crucial role in the Chicago White Sox’s 5-1 win over the Houston Astros on Tuesday. Despite initial struggles, Burke quickly found his footing and delivered a strong performance at Daikin Park.
In the first inning, Burke walked the first two batters, prompting a visit from pitching coach Zach Bove. “Just kind of came at me like, ‘Look, let’s not go down this road again,’” Burke said. “Let’s get back to what you’re doing good.” Burke responded well, retiring the next three batters and escaping the inning without any damage.
Burke found his rhythm as the game progressed, allowing only one hit over 5 2/3 scoreless innings. “Today’s honestly, in my mind, one of the better starts I’ve had this year,” Burke stated, acknowledging that while he didn’t have his best stuff, managing to keep the Astros scoreless marked personal growth.
I feel like I’m someone that you can kind of get at me a little bit when I’m on the mound. I’ll take kind to that and he knows that.
The right-hander struck out six and walked four, with his sole hit given up being a fifth-inning double by Taylor Trammell. “I thought he was really impressive,” said manager Will Venable. “Obviously walked the first two batters. Wasn’t sharp there the first few innings, but got us through 5 2/3. I thought he did a great job of really settling down.”
Burke, along with relievers Bryan Hudson, Jordan Hicks, and Grant Taylor, limited the Astros to just three hits. With this victory, the first-place White Sox (73-65) maintained their lead over the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central.
Offensively, the White Sox capitalized on two-out opportunities. Andrew Benintendi drove in Sam Antonacci with a single in the fifth. Colson Montgomery extended the lead with a two-run double. Randal Grichuk added two more runs with a double in the seventh inning. “I never faced him before,” Grichuk explained. “Saw a couple of heaters. Tried to let it get deep and luckily he put one that was out over the plate and I was able to put a good swing on it.”
The White Sox rebounded after struggling in scoring situations during Monday’s loss. “You go back and look at the last few games and kind of the underlying stuff with our swing decisions and hitting the ball hard, did a really nice job offensively with not a lot to show for it,” Venable said. The team’s improved performance at bat allowed them to capitalize on opportunities and secure the win.
Burke reflected on his struggles in recent weeks, emphasizing the importance of staying focused on getting outs and making effective pitches. “I thought catcher Drew Romo did a really good job calling the game and understanding what was working for me,” Burke said, crediting the teamwork on the field for contributing to the win.