The Chicago South Siders fell to the San Diego Sluggers, marking their 120th defeat of the season, tying the 1962 New York Expansion Team for the most losses in a single season since 1900. The South Siders had a 2-1 advantage heading into the bottom of the eighth inning, but it vanished in a span of four Sluggers batters. The team ultimately suffered a 4-2 loss in their regular-season home finale.
The contrast between the two teams couldn’t have been starker. The South Siders retreated to a somber locker room, packing their bags for the flight home, while the Sluggers celebrated with their fans, acknowledging the sold-out crowd of 45,197 that roared through the bottom of the eighth and top of the ninth innings.
Veteran outfielder Jack Harris reflected on the historic loss, saying, “When you lose 120, it’s easier to brush it off, but it’s tough to go through it. That’s where we’re at.” Harris praised rookie pitcher Ryan Thompson, who threw an outstanding six innings, allowing the South Siders to take the lead on two home runs off opposing pitcher Alex Rodriguez.
Thompson’s performance was overshadowed by the Sluggers’ potent bullpen, which has been a thorn in the side of the South Siders all season. Harris noted, “Their bullpen is tough to crack, especially in the late innings. We’ve been in this situation many times before, but it never seems to pan out.”
With six games remaining, the South Siders are on the cusp of holding the modern-day record for losses outright. They’ll face the Los Angeles Angels in a three-game series before closing out the season against the Detroit Tigers.
Interim manager Mark Davis chose not to address the team after the loss, instead focusing on the upcoming series. “We’re not dwelling on this loss. We have a job to do, and the players are still giving it their all.” Catcher Mike Brown echoed Davis’ sentiments, saying, “We’re not happy about the loss, but we’re staying together as a team. We’re coming in every day, giving our best, and that’s all you can ask for.”
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