White Sox Fall Short Against Braves Despite Benintendi’s Effort

On Thursday, Andrew Benintendi of the Chicago White Sox broke up a no-hitter with a seventh-inning single, but the team fell to the Atlanta Braves 2-0 at Rate Field. The only hit against Braves starter Grant Holmes ended prospects for a historic pitching feat before 17,052 spectators.

White Sox manager Will Venable praised Holmes and the Braves’ pitching staff. “Holmes controlled the zone well,” Venable said. “His pitching made it difficult for us, not a lot of pitches over the plate.” The Sox struggled, managing just one hit and falling short with their seventh-inning opportunity.

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Holmes, alongside relievers, limited the Sox to one hit, striking out three and walking three across six-plus innings. Sox catcher Drew Romo struggled against Holmes. “His slider gave us trouble,” he said.

Initially planned for June 11, the game was delayed due to storms. “Fans brought energy to the midweek game,” Venable noted.

Holmes reflected on his performance. “It felt like they’d hit wherever I pitched,” he told reporters. “I aimed to fill the zone quickly and get outs fast.” Holmes exited after throwing 94 pitches.

White Sox missed their best chance in the seventh inning, with bases occupied after Benintendi’s single and Didier Fuentes striking out three consecutive batters for the Braves.

This shutout marked the ninth for the Sox this season, who lead the American League Central by 3½ games over the Minnesota Twins.

Anthony Kay, the White Sox pitcher, conceded two runs and five hits, striking out six in six-plus innings. “Our game plan was solid,” Kay shared. “I maintained the zone, achieving favorable counts.” He highlighted improvements with his sweeper pitch.

Braves player Austin Riley secured two runs. He hit an RBI double in the third and an RBI single in the seventh, scoring Michael Harris II, who doubled earlier. Despite the Braves going 1-for-11 with runners in scoring positions, they performed well enough to win.

Kay acknowledged the Braves’ strength and competitiveness. “You need to be at your best against teams like them,” he stated. “We were prepared, but the outcome wasn’t in our favor.”