White Sox's Michael Kopech: Labors through scoreless frame
Rotowire
Kopech allowed one hit and one walk while striking out two across a scoreless ninth inning Saturday against the Red Sox.
Kopech was called upon to protect a five-run lead. He did so successfully, though he allowed three hitters to reach base -- he hit a batter in addition to the walk and hit he surrendered -- and required 33 pitches to retire the side. Though it was shaky, the outing was still positive for Kopech as he had allowed at least one run in three of his last four appearances entering Saturday.
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White Sox's Michael Kopech: Tagged for walk-off blast
Rotowire
Kopech (1-6) allowed a solo home run to the only batter he faced, taking the loss Wednesday versus the Cubs.
Kopech was taken deep by Mike Tauchman as the Cubs won in walk-off fashion. It's been tough sledding for Kopech lately -- he's allowed five runs (four earned) over his last 2.2 innings, taking the loss in three of his last four appearances. The right-hander is now at a 4.21 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 35:15 K:BB through 25.2 innings while adding five saves, a hold and two blown saves. If he continues to struggle, Kopech could eventually lose his high-leverage role, though the White Sox's poor play overall has made it difficult for any of the team's relievers to put up saves.
Kopech (1-5) allowed one run (none earned) on one hit and one walk while striking out two to take the loss Saturday against the Brewers.
Kopech entered the game in the 10th inning with the game tied at three. He intentionally walked the first batter he faced to put a pair of runners on base before throwing a wild pitch and allowing an infield single to take the loss. Kopech has had an inconsistent season, though he did turn in scoreless efforts in eight of his nine appearances in May. The White Sox haven't converted a save since May 15, but he should be considered the team's primary closer for the time being.
Kopech (1-4) blew the save and took the loss Saturday, giving up three runs on three hits in two-thirds of an inning as the White Sox fell 5-3 to the Orioles. He struck out one.
Chicago rolled into the eighth inning with a 3-0 lead, but after Jordan Leasure served up a two-run homer to Ryan O'Hearn, Kopech got the call and threw more gas on the fire, getting taken deep himself by Anthony Santander and Jordan Westburg. Kopech has been tagged for five home runs in 23.2 innings this season, fueling a 4.18 ERA, and his issues keeping the ball in the park have followed him to the bullpen. He'll continue to get the majority of the save chances for the White Sox, but his reliability as a high-leverage reliever is still in question.
