White Sox’ Losing Streak Ties 1988 Baltimore Orioles Record

The Chicago White Sox fell to the Oakland Athletics 5-1 on Monday, extending their losing streak to 21 consecutive games. This ties the 1988 Baltimore Orioles’ record for the longest losing streak in American League history.

The White Sox have now lost 17 games since the All-Star break, with four of their previous five series coming against playoff-contending teams. The A’s, who are the second-worst team in the American League, presented the White Sox with their best chance to stop the streak.

The White Sox are now 27-88 (.235) on the season, challenging the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics’ record for the worst win percentage in MLB history. The expansion 1962 New York Mets hold the record for most losses in the modern era with a 40-120-1 (.248) record.

The White Sox’ losing streak began with a 4-3 defeat to the Kansas City Royals on June 7. They have since reeled off five more losses, showing no signs of finding the win column. On Monday, starter Ky Bush issued three walks to load the bases in the first inning, then allowed a sacrifice fly to Tyler Nevin for a 1-0 A’s lead.

The White Sox limited the first-inning damage to one run, but were unable to mount a comeback. They went 4 for 31 (.129) at the plate and drew just one walk, while the A’s managed just four hits but drew nine walks and converted their baserunners into five runs.

The White Sox’ -251 run differential is the worst in baseball, with the Colorado Rockies holding the next-worst record (41-72) and run differential (-180). This is not the first ignominious losing streak of the season for the White Sox, who previously set a single-season franchise record with their 14th consecutive loss on June 7.