MINNEAPOLIS — The White Sox wasted no time breaking the major league record for strikeouts in a season Saturday. Yoan Moncada struck out looking against Twins right-hander Kyle Gibson to lead off the Sox’ second to last game of the season, and Yolmer Sanchez immediately followed by getting called out on strikes.
That raised the team’s season total to 1,572, one more than the Milwaukee Brewers in 2017.
Moncada struck out for the 216th time, which leads the majors. The individual record of 223 is held by Mark Reynolds of the Colorado Rockies in 2009. Adam Dunn, second on the all-time list with 222 as a White Sox in 2012, is the franchise record holder. Chris Davis of the Orioles is third on the all-time list with 219 in 2016.
On Moncada’s second at-bat, he hit his 30th double to become the fifth player in Sox history age 23 or younger to record 30 doubles, 15 homers and 60 RBI in season.
The Sox trailed after two innings as left-hander Carlos Rodon was lifted with no outs and the bases full in the second inning and trailing 5-1. Rodon walked four and gave up six hits and was charged with eight runs, needing 66 pitches (34 thrown for strikes) to record three outs.
In his previous outing, Rodon lasted 2 1/3 innings against the Cubs, allowing six runs on nine hits and no walks. He entered this start, his last of the season, with an 0-4 record and 6.84 ERA in September after going 5-0 with a 1.84 ERA in July and August.
