Rays Edge White Sox in Defensive Battle at Tropicana Field

Noah Schultz, pitching for the Chicago White Sox, showed solid performance on Saturday in St. Petersburg, Florida. After taking over in the second inning, Schultz allowed one run over five innings. His effort included just three hits, four strikeouts, and no walks, following opener Jordan Hicks, who retired the side in the first inning.

Schultz’s 67-pitch outing marked an efficient performance. He emphasized the importance of a strong game plan and good communication with catcher Edgar Quero. White Sox manager Will Venable praised Schultz’s strategy, noting his dominance of the inside zone and consistent strikes.

The only run of the game came in the fifth inning. Rays center fielder Jonny DeLuca initiated the play with a single, stealing second base, and advancing to third on a groundout. He scored on Nick Fortes’ single to left field, which had a 70 mph exit velocity.

The Rays, held to five hits by four White Sox pitchers, secured the win. They had hits from Yandy Díaz, DeLuca, Fortes, and Chandler Simpson. Conversely, the White Sox also managed five hits, with Quero contributing two.

White Sox’s best chance came in the fifth when Quero singled, advancing Braden Montgomery to third, before Quero reached second on a throwing error. Sam Antonacci’s hard-hit ball ended the inning when it was caught by right fielder Victor Mesa Jr.

Rays starter Drew Rasmussen excelled by giving up just four hits and striking out ten in six scoreless innings. White Sox hitters found him challenging, acknowledging his success in deviating them from their game plan.

In the ninth inning, Miguel Vargas and Randal Grichuk made attempts to threaten the Rays’ lead, but Rays closer Bryan Baker sealed the win.

Despite the loss, Venable saw the game as a testament to high-quality baseball, marked by standout pitching and defense from both sides.

Roch Cholowsky, drafted at the top by the White Sox in 2026, is set to join High A Winston-Salem soon.

Sox director of player development Paul Janish thinks this is the right step for Cholowsky’s introduction to professional baseball, allowing him to grow and adjust at a pace suited to his development goals.

On the rehab front, Drew Thorpe continues to progress. He impressed recently in a Double-A rehab appearance and will soon advance to Triple A. Thorpe aims to return after Tommy John surgery, having pitched three outings across different levels without issues.