The Chicago White Sox defeated the Cubs 12-5, amassing a season-high 18 hits. The strategy against pitcher Shota Imanaga focused on aggressive hitting to exploit his fastball. Imanaga struggled, allowing a career-high 12 hits and seven earned runs. Since the All-Star break, the White Sox lead MLB in runs scored and run differential, going 6-1 in recent games. Mixed feelings were shared regarding their performance, as Coach Will Venable expressed surprise at their success following a challenging first half of the season.
"It'll be to do everything we can to negotiate the fastball and be ready to handle the fastball and everything that means," Venable said pregame.
"Our game plan was [Imanaga] couldn't throw a fastball over the plate, and if he did, we were gonna be on it," Austin Slater said.
The White Sox lead MLB with 61 runs scored and a plus-33 run differential since the All-Star break.
Venable noted, "I don't know if anyone saw this coming. We're certainly pleased with the effort these guys have put in the whole year."
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