Samardzija on White Sox skid: 'Our backs are up against the wall'
The Chicago White Sox understand their margin for error is minimal.
Winners of seven straight heading into last Friday's non-waiver trade deadline, the White Sox opted not to be sellers in order to make a postseason push. The team, however, has responded by dropping three of their last four games, including a 12-3 drubbing by the New York Yankees on Sunday.
Samardzija, an impending free agent at season's end, was rocked for nine runs off eight hits in 4 2/3 innings, the shortest outing of his season.
"We know our backs are up against the wall and we need to win as many as possible as soon as possible," White Sox starter Jeff Samardzija told reporters Sunday.
"The same thing applies for me that applies to everybody. Show up and turn the page and go get them tomorrow. We have a new series and another chance to win a series."
The White Sox remain 3 1/2 games back of the second wild-card position, though five teams are in front of them.
| Team | Record | Pct. | GB | L10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angels | 55-49 | .529 | +1 | 1-9 |
| Twins | 54-50 | .519 | -- | 4-6 |
| Orioles | 53-51 | .510 | 1 | 7-3 |
| Blue Jays | 54-52 | .509 | 1 | 6-4 |
| Rays | 52-54 | .491 | 3 | 4-6 |
| Rangers | 51-53 | .490 | 3 | 6-4 |
| Tigers | 51-54 | .486 | 3.5 | 4-6 |
| White Sox | 50-53 | .485 | 3.5 | 7-3 |
"These things happen," Samardzija said of losing three of four. "The thing is you need to stop it once you do. You don't let it snowball."