Rangers-White Sox opener suspended by rain; doubleheader today at 4 CT

CHICAGO -- Tuesday night’s game between the White Sox and Rangers was suspended in the first inning due to rain. The game lasted exactly four pitches from Garrett Crochet, with the game being delayed at 7:11 p.m. CT at a 2-2 count, following a 7:10 p.m. first pitch.

The forecast didn’t call for rain until later in the evening, but the game began with the skies above and around Guaranteed Rate Field looking ominous at best. Unexpected storms were the main culprit for the start and the quick delay, according to the White Sox.

“I was surprised that it rained, because usually if you know rain's coming, you don't start it,” said Rangers second baseman and one-time White Sox infielder Marcus Semien, who saw the four pitches from Crochet before it was suspended. “It is what it is. We get another night off. It's our third night in a row off. We'll be ready to go tomorrow.

“It was just kind of surprising, because initially, they told us it was going to rain at like 10 p.m., and it started at 7. I guess I have two strikes on me tomorrow.”

This suspended game will resume Wednesday as part of a straight doubleheader starting at 4:10 p.m. CT. The second game will begin approximately 30-to-45 minutes following the conclusion of the opener but not earlier than 7:10 p.m.

Fans with tickets, parking and Huntington Bank Stadium Club passes to Wednesday’s originally scheduled 7:10 p.m. contest can attend both games of the doubleheader. Game tickets and parking will be credited to season ticket holders, individual tickets and parking will be refunded.

Crochet was making his 27th start, with his 180 strikeouts placing him third in the American League behind Tarik Skubal and Cole Ragans. His single-season innings high of 128 2/3 held in place, after White Sox director of pitching Brian Bannister was asked about the possibility of Crochet being shut down for the season in the coming weeks or days.

“I believe he’s a No. 1 starter. I don’t think you want to treat a No. 1 starter any different,” Bannister said. “I think he’s going to go out there and continue to pitch even though it’s in an abbreviated sense right now. He's still dominant. I’m really looking forward to what he can do in the future with a full season under his belt.”

Chris Flexen will open the suspended game, with the starter to be announced for the nightcap in what should be a bullpen game. The White Sox also are TBD for their starter in Thursday afternoon’s series finale.

Texas will go with Andrew Heaney, Tuesday’s scheduled starter who warmed up but did not throw a pitch. Jack Leiter, who Texas manager Bruce Bochy said was set to start Wednesday, is expected to start Game 2. The 27th man for both teams will only apply to Game 2.