Despite continuing his double-digit strike out streak, White Sox pitcher Chris Sale was not able to earn a win during Sunday's 2-1 loss to the Rays.
"Sale did a tremendous job," White Sox bench coach and interim manager Mark Parent said, per MLB.com. "We just need to pick it up offensively, that's for sure."
Sale allowed two runs on three hits over 6 2/3 innings. His biggest mistake was giving up a two-run home run to Asdrubal Cabrera in the seventh inning. He threw 125 pitches during the start.
"The maturity of Sale from this year to last year is going through the roof, just on and off the field," Parent said. "It seems like he has really matured in my opinion to that next level, almost superstar-type guys. He knows that people depend on him, the team depends on him to come out each time there's a two-game losing streak to win a ballgame."
Sale (6-3) struck out 12 and walked three during the outing, but he received a loss for this effort. He has now struck out 12 or more batters in four-straight games. His next expected start is scheduled for Friday against the Rangers.