Sox Scoops 43.031: Sox Takes, Week 8: The "Nicto!" Edition

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Sox Scoops 43.031: Sox Takes, Week 8: The "Nicto!" Edition

Post by HoosierVic » Wed Jul 01, 2020 11:37 am

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Regular Season, Week 8: May 19-25

Last Week’s Results

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5/19: Chicago Black Sox @ Nashville Bluebirds - Win, 2-0.
Nicto No-Hits Bluebirds
W: J. Nicto (3-2) L: C. Kim (2-5) .
HR - CHI: H. Hang (7)

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5/20: Des Moines Kernels @ Chicago Black Sox - Win, 2-5.
5-2 Black Sox Win over Kernels Evens Season Record
W: P. Jaramillo (5-4) L: T. Hashimoto (3-2) S: G. Sosa (8).
HR - DM: L. De La Cruz (9), L. Barrera (9) CHI: T. Durán (4), A. Budding (8)

5/21: Des Moines Kernels @ Chicago Black Sox - Loss, 5-4.
Kernels Win at Chicago, 5-4
W: P. Tañón (4-6) L: P. Kemp (2-1) S: J. Castro (8).
HR - CHI: T. Durán (5)

5/22: Des Moines Kernels @ Chicago Black Sox - Win, 3-4.
Black Sox Deal Kernels 4-3 Loss
W: G. Sosa (3-2) L: J. Castro (1-4) .
HR - DM: A. Williamson (4)

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5/23: Chicago Black Sox @ Madison Wolves - Win, 9-7.
Black Sox Top Wolves in Extras, 9-7
W: G. Sosa (4-2) L: R. Castagna (2-2) .
HR - MAD: R. Quicker (18)

5/24: Chicago Black Sox @ Madison Wolves - Win, 14-12.
Lee has 4 hit night in Black Sox Win
W: L. Gonzáles (4-3) L: S. Costello (1-2) S: J. Alfonzo (2).
HR - CHI: H. Hang (8) MAD: J. Hernández (7)

5/25: Chicago Black Sox @ Madison Wolves - Loss, 2-3.
Wolves Beat Black Sox, 3-2
W: Y. Miyamoto (2-1) L: P. Jaramillo (5-5) S: R. Castagna (18).
HR - CHI: A. Budding (9)

Heroes of the Week
Tomás Durán, 3B: 25 AB, 10 H, 2 HR, 10 RBI, .400 AVG, 1.244 OPS
Jaime Ramírez, SS: 25 AB, 12 H, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .480 AVG, 1.079 OPS
Rocky Wattson, 2B: 26 AB, 11 H, 0 HR, 3 RBI, .423 AVG, 1.118 OPS

Zeroes of the Week
Hao Hang, RF: 29 AB, 5 H, 2 HR, 2 RBI, .172 AVG, .673 OPS
Juan Solís, DH: 31 AB, 5 H, 1 2B, 8 RBI, .161 AVG, .399 OPS
Brian Smith, RP: 2 G, 4.1 IP, 4 ER, 3 K, 0 BB, 8.31 ERA

The Halt and The Lame
1B Mark Simpson has been cleared to resume action and will rejoin the Sox this week for the conclusion of the Madison series and series against San Fernando and Portland.

Two injuries of note in the minor leagues:
  • SP Andresa Frederico with AA Beloit strained a hamstring and will be on the IL for 4 weeks. Frederico can be counted on for multiple long IL stints per season, and the Sox are said to be nearing the end of their patience.
  • Promising Closer Ike Kocher, also of Beloit, sprained his elbow and will be on the IL for 3-4 weeks.
Record as of May 25
W-L Record for Week 8: 5-2, .714
Overall Record: 26-25, .510
Position in Standings: In 6th Place in the Frick Heartland Division, 7.5 games behind Yellow Springs.

Hot Takes

So, couple of things:

Following their usual form, the Sox have clawed their way back over .500 after a disastrous losing stretch. If things continue as usual, the Sox are due for another crippling losing skein – and the stage is perfectly set with Pacific leader San Fernando coming to town for 3 games, and perpetual pest Portland coming in after them. Yuck.

That’s one thing.

The other thing: Juan Nicto! Throws a no-hitter! Against Nashville! Against all odds!

Nicto, who’s faded to a pale imitation of the staff ace he was in the late 2030s, still has enough in the tank to surprise you now and then.

So it was that on May 19, he came within an 8th inning walk to DH Mario Guerrer of throwing a perfect game against the Bluebirds.

Champagne was popped, Sox Owner Vinnie Vitale sent a Tower of Pears, and Sox fans reveled in the spectacle.

Just 5 days later, Nicto gave up 8 hits and 6 runs to Madison in just 3.2 innings. So, let’s not get too carried away with saying he’s back to his old form.

But it’s also true that he’s a serviceable 5th starter for the Sox, so there’s that. Of course, that would be easier to celebrate if he wasn’t earning $19 million this season …

The Week Ahead:
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1 Game at Madison

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3 Games vs. San Fernando at Chicago

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2 Games vs. Portland (Ecchhh) at Chicago

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