The struggle for the Chicago White Sox reached a new low on Sunday, as they fell 13-7 to the Minnesota Twins, extending their losing streak to 20 games. This streak is currently the longest in Major League Baseball and ties the White Sox with just six other franchises in modern MLB history to have suffered such a prolonged period of defeats.
In Sunday's game, the difficulties began early for Chicago. They fell behind 2-0 in the first inning, and by the end of the second inning, the Twins had surged to an 8-0 lead. Among the key moments for Minnesota was a three-run home run by Royce Lewis, which helped seal Chicago’s fate early in the contest. Despite their offensive woes during this stretch, the White Sox managed to score more than five runs for the first time during their losing skid.
Throughout this harrowing period, Chicago has been outscored by a staggering 131-48, translating to an average deficit of four runs per game. This consistent lack of competitiveness has been evident in their season record, which now stands at a dismal 27-87. With just three more losses, the current White Sox squad could tie the infamous 1961 Philadelphia Phillies' record of 23 consecutive defeats.
This season has been one of historical futility for the White Sox. Earlier in the year, from May 22 to June 6, they endured a 14-game losing streak, which ties for the 38th longest in Major League Baseball history. The repeated losing streaks have placed them on pace for an appalling 124-loss season, a benchmark only surpassed by the 1962 New York Mets' 120 losses in the modern era. Since World War II, only two other teams—the 2003 Detroit Tigers and the 2018 Baltimore Orioles—have lost more than 115 games in a season.
The magnitude of Chicago's recent losing streak is also illustrated by its place among other infamous runs. In addition to the White Sox, only the 1988 Baltimore Orioles and the 1969 Montreal Expos have endured 20-game losing streaks since the modern era began. This aligns the White Sox with a club no team wishes to join.
Looking ahead, the White Sox will face the Oakland Athletics on Monday, in hopes of halting their pervading losing streak. The team, along with their loyal supporters, remains hopeful for a victory that can finally break this cycle of defeat and provide a spark for the remainder of the season.
Although the season has been grueling for the White Sox and their fans, the team continues to push forward despite the disheartening statistics. While Sunday’s 13-7 loss to the Twins extended an already soul-crushing streak, it also presented a rare glimpse of offensive capability—scoring more than five runs in a game for the first time during the slump.
As the White Sox navigate the final stretch of the season, they do so with awareness of their potential place in baseball’s record books but also with a determination to reverse their fortunes. The upcoming series against the Athletics offers the next opportunity for the White Sox to reclaim some pride and break free from their historically tough run.