The Chicago White Sox enter the final game of their series against the Milwaukee Brewers looking to halt a downward spiral that has defined their 2025 season thus far. At 7–21, the White Sox are entrenched at the bottom of the American League standings, and the numbers bear out their struggles across every phase of the game. Their offense has been one of the least productive in baseball, with a team batting average of .221 and a meager .278 OBP—both metrics that underscore their inability to consistently get runners aboard or advance them into scoring position. Even in favorable hitting counts, the White Sox have struggled to convert, often failing to string together hits or capitalize on rare scoring opportunities. The team has found minimal rhythm through any one part of the lineup, although occasional bright spots have come from the likes of Andrew Benintendi, who continues to flash veteran-level plate discipline and some timely hitting, and Miguel Vargas, who has shown flashes of offensive upside. Still, Chicago’s inability to extend innings or put sustained pressure on opposing pitchers has resulted in frequent low-scoring losses and mounting frustration. Taking the mound for the White Sox is right-hander Sean Burke, whose 1–4 record and 6.00 ERA serve as a reflection of the team’s broader pitching woes. Burke has struggled to find consistency with his command, issuing too many walks and often finding himself pitching from behind in counts. That lack of control has led to bloated pitch counts and early exits, overexposing a bullpen that has been unable to mask the team’s starting rotation issues.

Defensively, the White Sox have failed to provide any meaningful support for their pitchers, with one of the league’s higher WHIPs at 1.437 and a tendency to commit poorly timed mistakes that extend innings and add pressure to an already taxed staff. The starting rotation’s inability to pitch deep into games has placed a tremendous burden on the relief corps, which lacks the depth or high-leverage performers to consistently hold close leads or keep blowouts in check. Manager Pedro Grifol is running out of buttons to push as the team continues to underperform, and the mood around the club is one of urgency, bordering on desperation. In this finale against Milwaukee, the White Sox will need a near-flawless performance to avoid a sweep and begin rebuilding momentum for the remainder of the season. It will start with Burke setting the tone by attacking the strike zone and minimizing free passes, while the offense must find a way to capitalize on any early scoring chances against Brewers starter Chad Patrick. Manufacturing runs through small ball, aggressive base running, and timely situational hitting may be the only path to staying competitive given their power outage. This game offers a critical opportunity—not only to snap a losing streak but to prove the club still has fight left and can begin the long climb out of the basement. If the White Sox can pair a rare strong start with a composed defensive effort and some lineup cohesion, they may finally steal a much-needed win and avoid another demoralizing sweep at home.