On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the Chicago White Sox kicked off their season with an impressive 8-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels at Rate Field, marking a fresh start for both teams after disappointing 2024 campaigns. The game was particularly significant for 25-year-old pitcher Sean Burke, who made history by becoming just the seventh pitcher in the last century to start on opening day with fewer than 20 career innings pitched in the majors.
Burke, who had only 19 career innings under his belt prior to the game, showcased remarkable poise and skill, allowing only three hits and striking out three batters over six scoreless innings. His performance was vital in supporting the White Sox in their first game under new manager Will Venable, who celebrated his inaugural win at the helm.
“Will and the staff have done a tremendous job and look forward to Opening Day,” said White Sox general manager Chris Getz. “There hasn’t been a day we haven’t looked forward to coming to the field, and the player energy has been really high.”
Burke's achievement is noteworthy, as he surpassed the previous record for the fewest career innings pitched by a White Sox opening-day starter, which was held by Patsy Flaherty at 61 innings back in 1903. Additionally, he joined a select group of pitchers who have started on opening day with minimal prior experience, including notable names like Fernando Valenzuela and Garrett Crochet.
The Angels had their own challenges, as they struggled to find rhythm against Burke. In the first inning, they placed runners on the corners with one out, but Burke struck out Jorge Soler and former Sox shortstop Tim Anderson, who received a warm welcome back to Rate Field. The Angels again threatened in the second inning, but Burke managed to escape without allowing any runs.
Meanwhile, the White Sox offense came alive in the second inning, scoring three runs. Newcomer Austin Slater launched a home run to left field, setting the tone for the inning. Following singles from Korey Lee and Jacob Amaya, Miguel Vargas capped off the scoring with a bloop double that just eluded diving center fielder Jo Adell.
Burke continued to dominate, retiring the final 14 batters he faced, a testament to his composure and skill on the mound. Reliever Penn Murfee took over in the seventh, striking out the side and maintaining the shutout. In the eighth inning, Mike Clevinger entered the game with two runners on base and struck out Soler to end the inning, preserving the White Sox's lead.
As the game progressed, the White Sox added to their lead with a three-run home run from Andrew Benintendi and a two-run blast from Lenyn Sosa later in the eighth inning. The Angels finally got on the board in the ninth when Logan O’Hoppe hit a solo home run off Cam Booser, but it was too little, too late.
The victory not only marked a successful start to the season for the White Sox but also put them over the .500 mark for the first time since winning their season opener in 2023. The team had finished the previous season with a dismal 41-121 record, setting a modern-era record for losses.
Before the game, the White Sox made several roster moves, officially selecting the contracts of Clevinger, outfielder Travis Jankowski, and infielder Nick Maton. Infielders Bryan Ramos and Josh Rojas, along with outfielder Mike Tauchman, were placed on the 10-day injured list, while pitcher Tyler Gilbert was placed on the 15-day IL. Drew Thorpe was placed on the 60-day IL following Tommy John surgery, and pitchers Jake Eder and Dominic Fletcher were designated for assignment.
On the opposing side, the Angels faced their 11th opening-day loss in the last 12 years, a troubling statistic that reflects their recent struggles. Yusei Kikuchi, making his Angels debut after signing a three-year, $63 million contract, pitched six innings, allowing three runs. Despite his efforts, the Angels could not capitalize on their scoring opportunities.
As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this opening day. The White Sox will hope to maintain their momentum under Venable's leadership, while the Angels will need to regroup quickly if they aim to turn their fortunes around.
Looking ahead, the White Sox will face the Angels again on Saturday, March 29, 2025, with right-handers José Soriano and Jonathan Cannon set to take the mound. Soriano, who made 20 starts for the Angels last year, has a 3.42 ERA, while Cannon had a 4.49 ERA during his rookie season with Chicago.
As fans settle in for the new season, the excitement surrounding the White Sox's fresh start and the challenges facing the Angels will surely keep baseball enthusiasts engaged. With new faces and renewed energy, both teams are eager to write a different story in 2025.
