NEW YORK — This was no way for Lucas Giolito to enhance his trade value or help the White Sox keep a desperately needed winning streak going.
The right-hander with the expiring contract and best resume of any Sox pitcher got clobbered for five runs in the first inning by the Mets, themselves a team in a state of urgency to to save a most disappointing season from going down the tubes.
Blame it on Monday’s off day after the Sox beat the Braves, baseball’s best team Saturday and Sunday. Or Giolito’s eight days off thanks to extended rest. In any case, Giolito’s slider was flat early on, his control was off Francisco Alvarez and Brett Baty swatted back to back homers off him in the first inning. TJ Stewart hit his first of the year in the fourth to give the Mets a 7-2 lead.
Giolito, whose ERA climbed from 3.45 to 3.96, had allowed two runs or less in six of his last seven starts. But he needed 100 pitches to complete 3 2⁄3 lumpy innings, allowing eight runs on six hits and five walks. He got 11 swings and misses and struck out six.
The Mets led 8-4 after five innings. Designated hitter Yasman Grandal homered for the Sox.