“Was satisfied with the day” – Michael Kopech gives Chicago White Sox rotation a boost

Michael Kopech

The Chicago White Sox emerged victorious over the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2, for the second day in a row on Saturday at Guaranteed Rate Field. Thanks to a short but effective outing from one of their young starters, earlier Dylan Cease and now, Michael Kopech, did the job for the Sox.

Michael Kopech, Wicked 79mph Breaking Ball ? pic.twitter.com/esgp3neBSA
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 16, 2022

The Texas native Kopech, who recovered from a wobbly 25-pitch first inning, required just 50 more pitches to get through the next four. After working around three baserunners to allow one unearned run in the first, he faced one more batter than the minimum the rest of the way.

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“I settled in, definitely. First couple innings, I think I went out there without really an idea of anything, just overthinking a bit,” Kopech said, as quoted by MLB.com. “Then I was able to find my groove and stay in there and give the team a chance, at least, and that’s all I was worried about. So I was satisfied with the day.”

“Didn’t get an opportunity to use my slider”

Michael Kopech struck out five, and his two walks both came in the first inning to Brandon Lowe and Yandy Díaz. The 25-year-old, who was perfect in the third through fifth, said he was able to get more efficient after the first inning and adjust his pitch mix.

“I thought I threw some good sliders early on, but I’ve kind of been sporadic with my fastball,” he added. “They weren’t playing very well off of each other, so I didn’t get an opportunity to use my slider how I usually would. Luckily, working off that high fastball with my curveball seemed to be something I could do today, so I leaned on that a bit heavier than I ever have. And I was happy with it.”