The White Sox have been delighted to return home to a packed U.S. Cellular Field this week. After wrapping up a 10-game road trip Sunday, the Sox have played in front of sellout crowds the last two nights. But after Wednesday's day game against the Twins, the White Sox head right back out on the road for a pair of three-game series in Texas and Minnesota.
"That's just the way it goes," manager Robin Ventura said. "Nobody's really talking about it. You knew it was on the schedule, so we were prepared for it. It's a long stretch. It's a long stretch in July to be on the road most of the time."
In August, the Sox play 15 home games, six more than their July total at U.S. Cellular Field. Attendance has been up, and Ventura believes that's helped as his team has gone 7-1 at home this month.
"Guys are talking about it as far as the energy level of not only the guys on the field, but in big situations, big plays, it's a lot more fun to play when it's full instead of looking at a bunch of empty seats," Ventura said.
After stumbling back to Chicago on a five-game losing streak, the White Sox have been re-energized at home, scoring 18 runs in wins over Minnesota on Monday and Tuesday.
"These guys have had the ability to do that all year," Ventura said of his team's resiliency. "We've gone through little stretches, not as bad, but similar to what happened on the road trip. To come back and have the offense that we've had, that's the good stuff for what we have in the lineup."