'Pretty special' night nets Lambert first win

OAKLAND -- There was a time in the not-so-distant past when Jimmy Lambert wondered if this day would come. Now, he can permanently put those doubts to rest.

More than five years after getting drafted by the White Sox organization, Lambert picked up his first Major League win by pitching a career-high five innings of one run-ball in Tuesday's 6-3 victory over the A’s, leading to one of the most intense clubhouse beer showers manager Tony La Russa had ever seen.

"The win was worth it, I’m sure, but he’s paying a heavy price," said La Russa, who has seen his share of postgame revelry over the years.

It was a night that Lambert won’t forget, nor one he will take for granted. In 2019, his fourth season in Chicago's Minor League system, Lambert underwent Tommy John surgery. As he talked about what the moment meant, he admitted, "I didn’t know if I’d ever get my first Major League win."

But Lambert’s day did come, and it came with a flurry of brews from his teammates. "I’ll just say the beer was very cold," Lambert said with a smile.

What made the win all the more memorable was who helped close it out. Craig Kimbrel and Liam Hendriks, making his return to Oakland after five seasons with the organization, combined to record Chicago’s final five outs. Of the duo, Lambert said that they’re two of the game’s best, and two names who will always be attached to his special night.

"That’s pretty special, for sure," Lambert said.

Lambert going five innings, the minimum needed to secure a win as a starter, was above and beyond what he was asked. The expectation was that he would serve as the first leg of a bullpen game, the likeliest scenario being Lambert navigating three innings.

That scenario looked like it was going to play out after Lambert allowed a run in the first inning and two baserunners in the second inning. From there, however, he found his rhythm, retiring all but one batter in his final three innings, finishing strong before handing things off to the bullpen after a job well done.

"He came out in the first inning and he was nervous, which he should be," La Russa said. "And what’s so impressive was once he got into the flow, he showed his reputation. He has a reputation for being a closer; he can finish innings, he can pitch deep into the game. And that’s exactly what he did. He got, actually, sharper and better and better as he relaxed and just pitched."

The rookie wasn’t exactly missing bats -- Lambert’s called strike and whiff rate was only 19 percent, down from the league-average range of 29 -- but benefitted from Oakland’s pitcher-friendly dimensions. That, and his center fielder being a Gold Glover.

Of the 15 outs Lambert recorded, seven came by way of the flyout. And of those seven flyouts, five were caught by Luis Robert, who also made a particularly nice play in the first inning, racing back to rob Starling Marte of extra bases and an RBI.

Lambert ended up outlasting fellow rookie James Kaprielian, who was given the hook after just four innings thanks to some gritty plate appearances. Catcher Yasmani Grandal drew a pair of nine-pitch walks off Kaprielian, the first a bases-loaded free pass to plate a run in the first inning. Robert grinded 12 pitches out of Kaprielian in a plate appearance as well.

Considering the state of Chicago’s starting rotation, Lambert’s ability to provide bulk innings was a big help. Lance Lynn and Lucas Giolito are currently on the injured list, while Carlos Rodón is being pushed back from his scheduled start in Oakland due to shoulder soreness and fatigue.

The White Sox have a firm grasp on the AL Central division -- their magic number is now 15 -- giving them the opportunity to be cautious with Lynn, Giolito and Rodón. That being said, there are still games to be played and innings to be eaten, and if Lambert can provide some in the final weeks, it'd be beneficial.

But those are concerns for another day. This day belonged to Lambert. The rookie may have doubted that this day would come, but it’s here, it’s real and it’s his to soak up. Even if he may need to go a couple weeks without seeing another beer.