White Sox Move 1 Win From ALCS as Will Venable's Basketball Tactics Drive Turnaround
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Oct 7
White Sox Move 1 Win From ALCS as Will Venable's Basketball Tactics Drive Turnaround
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Oct 7
Summary
Chicago took a 2-0 ALDS lead with Monday’s 4-3 win over Cleveland, leaving the White Sox one victory from their first ALCS since 2005.
Will Venable has become a central force in that surge by applying Princeton basketball principles—spacing, timing, matchups and trust—to playoff pitching and lineup decisions.
That approach showed in Game 2, when Venable stuck with rookie Braden Montgomery despite a .430 OPS against lefties in the regular season; Montgomery answered with a go-ahead double and later scored.
Players including Andrew Benintendi, Kyle Teel and Colson Montgomery said Venable’s steady demeanor and visible confidence have shaped the clubhouse after last year’s 102-loss season.
The run caps a sharp reversal for a club that lost 121 games two years ago and finished 84-78 this season, one game behind Cleveland in the AL Central.
Will Cleveland's devastating bullpen collapse against Chicago's relentless offense cost them the season, or can they force a miracle comeback in Game 3?
Can an unconventional, starter-less pitching strategy really carry the White Sox to their first ALCS since 2005 without burning out their arms?
After a historic but grueling workload, is rookie phenom Grant Taylor headed for a physical breaking point just when Chicago needs him most?