PITTSBURGH -- They’ve looked into their first-inning struggles and the only thing the White Sox are certain about is they’re not sure why it’s happening.
The White Sox gave up five more first-inning runs in Monday’s 11-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Through 62 games, they have been outscored 53-19 in the opening frame this season. But White Sox manager Robin Ventura is positive it’s not for a lack of preparedness.
“No, they’re ready,” Ventura said. “They’re ready. When they come in the game, they’re ready to go. You can sit there, bounce around, have them throw more pitches, they’re ready to go when they go in the game. It’s just a phenomenon that needs to stop.
“It was a fluke until we started leading the league in it. So something has to stop and we have to have guys get better when they get in there in the first inning.”
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White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said earlier this month the team has investigated why it has struggled in the first inning. They’ve asked players if they have done anything different, everything to discover the cause of making a bad first impression.
The focus of course has been on the team’s starting pitchers, who have a 7.40 ERA in the first inning this season. Opponents have a .920 OPS against White Sox pitchers in the opening frame this season.
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But the hitters have struggled, too. The White Sox offense is hitting .225/.289/.344 in 250 plate appearances.
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“I don’t know if there is an answer to it,” Ventura said. “Obviously these guys don’t want to do that, but when they come in and any time pitchers ease into a game it’s a bit easier for the offense.
“First impressions are always hard to get away from. That first inning of setting the tone is there and you want to get away from that because it’s negative.”