Aug 12, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Michael Kopech (34) delivers against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Kopech had a no-hitter going for the White Sox through six innings but then Tony La Russa pulled him and fans were absolutely enraged.
One day after the Chicago White Sox saw another gem from AL Cy Young candidate Dylan Cease, it seemed as if another young pitcher in Michael Kopech was trying to outdo his teammate on Friday night in his start against the Detroit Tigers.
Kopech, who has dealt with a number of injuries along with various ups and downs, was absolutely shoving on the bump against the Tigers as he struck out 11 batters through six innings while having a no-hitter working through 85 pitches. It looked as if he was on the verge of doing something super, super special.
White Sox manager Tony La Russa didn’t care. Instead, he yanked Kopech after his six innings of work and made the call to the bullpen. And to make that worse, the first batter up after Kopech was pulled from the game singled to ruin even a chance at a combined no-no.
White Sox fans ready for Tony La Russa to go (again) after pulling Michael Kopech from no-hitter
As is often the case with La Russa and fans on the Southside, they were ready to see him fired immediately after the decision to pull Kopech from the no-hit bid.
There have been calls for La Russa’s job on numerous occasions throughout this season in Chicago as the team as a whole has largely underachieved this season. But seeing him take away a chance at history only for the bullpen to give up a hit immediately is just laughably bad optics.
If there’s a silver lining, the White Sox took a lead late and the Tigers were still held scoreless. Even still, fans would’ve much rather seen Kopech keep chasing a special moment and night.
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