White Sox beaten 13-7 by Twins for 20th straight loss, longest MLB skid in 36 years

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The Chicago White Sox, enduring a grim streak of losses, are setting new records for futility. Their 20th straight defeat on Sunday, a 13-7 setback against the Minnesota Twins, marks the longest losing streak in Major League Baseball in 36 years and leaves them just one game short of the American League record.

Chris Flexen struggled mightily, getting pulled early after giving up a three-run homer to Royce Lewis in a six-run second inning. This put the Twins ahead 8-0. Despite a late rally by the White Sox (27-87), which brought the score to 10-7 in the eighth, they couldn’t close the gap.

The White Sox’s losing streak is the longest in franchise history and the worst in the majors since the 1988 Baltimore Orioles, who began their season with 21 consecutive losses. The National League record for consecutive losses belongs to the 1961 Philadelphia Phillies, who dropped 23 straight games. The all-time record for consecutive losses in Major League Baseball is held by the 1889 Louisville Colonels, who endured a 26-game skid during a 27-111 season.

The White Sox now face the Oakland Athletics in a three-game series starting Monday night. The Athletics, currently last in the AL West, will be the White Sox’s next opponent in their quest to end the losing streak. The White Sox’s current streak ties them with several teams for the third-longest since 1900, including the 1969 Montreal Expos, and the 1943 and 1916 Philadelphia Athletics, along with the 1906 Boston Americans.

Sunday’s loss also marked a new low for the White Sox, as they fell 60 games below .500 for the first time in their history. They’re on track to finish with a record of 38-124, which would be the most losses for a team since the 1899 Cleveland Spiders, who went 20-134.

The White Sox last won on July 10 against Minnesota, securing a 3-1 victory in the first game of a doubleheader. During their current losing streak, they’ve been outscored 131-48. Sunday’s game saw them record their highest number of runs (seven) and hits (12) during this dismal stretch.

Flexen (2-11) was unable to escape the second inning, surrendering eight runs (six earned) on seven hits and three walks. Minnesota capitalized on a two-out error by second baseman Brooks Baldwin to score twice in the first inning. Cole Sands (5-1) earned the win with two scoreless innings in relief, while Minnesota starter Simeon Woods Richardson allowed three runs over four innings in his first start since a rough outing against the Mets.

**UP NEXT**
**White Sox:** The starting pitcher for Monday’s opener in Oakland has not been announced.
**Twins:** Right-hander David Festa (1-2, 6.98 ERA) will make his fourth career start on Monday when Minnesota begins a three-game series in Chicago against the Cubs.

(Photo courtesy of Twins/MLB)