Tony La Russa decision that doomed the White Sox in Game 1

A big decision by White Sox manager Tony La Russa was a key difference in the Game 1 loss of the ALDS.

The Chicago White Sox lost Game 1 of the ALDS 6-1 to the Houston Astros. Playing in Minute Maid Park, the home team Astros jumped out to an early lead and never looked back.

In the days leading up to this game, the White Sox publicly mulled over what pitcher would start Game 1. Stuck between Lance Lynn and Lucas Giolito, Chicago ultimately decided on Lynn. That quickly proved to be the wrong decision as the Astros got to him early.

Lance Lynn struggles in Game 1 of the ALDS

Lynn, who was an All-star this year, struggled on the mound against Houston. After a 1-2-3 first inning, the Astros’ lineup was able to locate Lynn’s fastball and give him plenty of trouble. Lynn gave up six hits, five runs and allowed two walks with four strikeouts before being pulled after two outs in the third inning.

Lynn has struggled in Minute Maid Park for majority of his career and that is a reason many White Sox fans were lobbying for Giolito to start.

White Sox offense also struggle

In fairness to Lynn and La Russa, any pitcher on the mound would have need their best stuff as the White Sox offense was held down in Game 1. Houston starter Lance McCullers Jr. pitched six and two-third innings only allowing four hits with zero runs, zero walks and four strikeouts.

Ultimately, it was a poor outing for the White Sox. They will have the opportunity to respond tomorrow in Game 2 in Minute Maid Park with first pitch scheduled for 1:07 p.m. CT. Lucas Giolito will be on the mound for Chicago.