Pick One

Two Chicago sports teams played in Cleveland yesterday afternoon, but only one of them won. Do you know which? Hint—the team that didn’t net one yard passing. Hint, hint—the team that stole a base, two in fact on the same play. The White Sox beat the Indians 5-2 with Lucas Giolito looking like he wants to get the first start in the playoffs. As long as he keeps doing what he did on Sunday with six scoreless innings with just six baserunners, I say, go for it. The bullpen seems better of late, so things may not go south once Giolito exits the way they have in five of his ten no-decisions. I’d definitely bring in Michael Kopech, or not. With Kopech, you just don’t know. Yesterday, he comes in and starts off by giving up hits to the number-eight and -nine hitters, then throws in a hit to the leadoff batter for good measure. He recorded one out before Garrett Crochet got out of the jam with a double-play grounder off of Jose Ramirez, of all people. In his previous appearance, Kopech struck out four of the six Cleveland hitters he faced. Go figure. I can’t. Now, for the stolen bases. Tim Anderson and Billy Hamilton pulled off a double steal in the eighth inning, with Hamilton swiping home. That, ladies and gentlemen, is how you win ballgames in the postseason. I choose to hold onto this glimmer of hope come next week.