Charmed life turned hard knock for the Chicago White Sox on Thursday, coughing up a five-run lead and snatching defeat from victory in an 8-7, walk-off loss at the hands of fellow rebuilders, the Cincinnati Reds.
José Ruiz took the loss, taking over in the ninth with a 7-5 lead and able to retire just one Red in a three-hit, three-run outing. Cliff Pennington led off the inning with a single, and Cincy knotted the score 7-7 on a home run to left by Brandon Dixon. Alex Blandino then singled, and after Ruiz was extended the dignity of retiring one batter (Shed Long), he was pulled from the game.