White Sox 8, Rangers 4: Sweeping Changes

White Sox Daily

That's better, isn't it?

We can all agree that the start to the season has been less than enjoyable for the White Sox, but this weekend was closer to what the team advertised this spring.

A victory over the Indians on Tuesday before Wednesday's snow out paired with a three-game sweep of the Texas Rangers this weekend has the White Sox on a four-game winning streak has Chicago on a four-game winning streak and just 1.5 games behind Kansas City for the top spot in the AL Central.

Friday saw the White Sox jump all over old friend Dane Dunning for five runs in the third inning before Dunning was chased in favor of the bullpen. Dunning, who was traded to Texas in December for Lance Lynn, allowed five runs on eight hits in 2.2 innings of work on Friday night.

Dylan Cease was underwhelming at best for the White Sox on Friday night, allowing two runs on three hits while walking three and striking out five in 3.1 innings of work before Evan Marshall allowed another three runs in his 1.2 innings of work.

An RBI-double by Yermín Mercedes, an RBI single by Nick Madrigal, and a home run by Yoán Moncada helped secure a win in the latter innings for the White Sox.

After a pitcher's duel on Saturday that ended in a walk-off 2-1 win for the White Sox, the stage was set for a potential sweep of the Rangers at Guaranteed Rate Field on Sunday afternoon.

Michael Kopech -- starting in place of Lucas Giolito -- was masterful on Sunday. The 24-year-old right-hander was only slated for three-to-four innings on Sunday but ended up going five for Tony La Russa and the White Sox.

Kopech allowed one run -- a solo homer to David Dahl -- on four hits while striking out ten and walking none in a winning effort. Kopech is now 2-0 with a 1.72 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 15.2 innings of work this season. Kopech made his first four appearances out of the bullpen but has since started a pair of games for the White Sox.

In his two starts this season, Kopech is 1-0 with just two earned runs allowed on five hits with 14 strikeouts and one walk.

Of course, Kopech was asked in the post-game media availability whether or not he would prefer to be a stater after his second consecutive starting outing.

"Yeah, of course, I want to go out there and pitch every fifth day," Kopech said. "But I just want to pitch for a team that wants to go out there and win."

Michael Kopech wants to be a starting pitcher once again. Heck, by performance alone, he's earned it. But don't expect Kopech in the regular rotation any time soon. The White Sox will continue to be cautious with Kopech this season.

The White Sox plated eight runs in the first three innings of Sunday's ballgame, including a two-run homer by Jose Abreu, and that would be enough for the Whits Sox to secure a win and a sweep over the Rangers.

The White Sox will have an off day tomorrow before opening a three-game series with Detroit on Tuesday at Guaranteed Rate Field. Lucas Giolito will take the ball in game one as the White Sox (12-9) search for their fifth straight win.

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