The White Sox defeat the Angels in the home finale, avoiding a record 121 defeat

CHICAGO – It took a few days, but the White Sox may have won over their fan base – at least for now – in their home finale after defeating the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday, avoiding a record 121st loss of the season.

The White Sox began Tuesday’s series with a barrage of boos, and even after winning the first two games against the Angels, there were chants of “sell the team.” But in the finale, a 7-0 win, fans came to their senses and gave starter Chris Flexen an ovation as he came off the mound after 6⅓ shutout innings and again after the final out.

“It was great, especially after the last few nights when I heard boos after I won a game,” Flexen said afterward. “It was hard, but getting that ovation was really special.”

Chicago scored seven runs in its season-high fifth inning to help stave off history. The White Sox are tied with the 1962 Mets for the most losses in a single season in modern history (since 1900), but end the year this weekend against the red-hot Detroit Tigers.

They will need another sweep to avoid owning the record outright. After Thursday’s win, they are 39-120.

“There will be a great atmosphere there,” said interim manager Grady Sizemore. “These guys are playing for the postseason and we’re going there to compete and not make it easy.”

Sizemore said he wore the same singlet all week – even though it had been washed – as the victories piled up. His team completed only its second win of the season and at the same time handed the Angels their 96th loss of the year, a franchise record. The victory comes as the team focused solely on setting the record. Media from across the country flocked to Chicago to break the record on Thursday, but the White Sox had other plans.

“The last home game was fun,” Sizemore said. “I think the players have done a great job of separating themselves from each other and not letting all the external things get to them. We’ve been playing a lot better lately.”

Chicago has a 6-5 record in its last 11 games, its best 11-game streak since May, but it needs another three wins to tie the Mets for the most losses since 1900. The White Sox have not won six times since the 1900 series as of May 2022. The team is also 1-9 against the Tigers this year.

At least the White Sox leave their home park with fans cheering instead of booing. The week didn’t start like that.

“The support from the fans is huge,” said first baseman Andrew Vaughn. “Gives us energy, gives us life.”

Flexen added: “Today a different feeling than the last few days, which was nice.”