Davis Martin Earns Seventh Win as White Sox Continue Momentum

The Chicago White Sox got another solid start from Davis Martin on Friday night. The right-hander keeps showing he can be a dependable part of the rotation.

Facing the San Diego Padres, Martin picked up his seventh win of the season by focusing on efficiency and command. He’s really got a knack for getting groundball outs, and it showed again.

His line reflected both control and resilience. The outing highlighted how much he’s improved over the course of the year.

With a tough matchup against the New York Yankees coming up, there’s a lot to consider about this latest start and what it means for the rest of his season.

Davis Martin’s Dominant Efficiency Against the Padres

Martin’s performance on Friday was a great example of pitching to contact and trusting his defense. Over six innings, he gave up three runs on six hits and just one walk.

He needed only 77 pitches to get through his outing. Martin struck out four, mixing in punchouts with well-placed pitches that led to weak contact.

It wasn’t overpowering, but it was extremely efficient — something every pitching coach loves. Martin logged his ninth quality start of the season, showing he’s giving the team a real chance to win most nights.

The Groundball Game Plan

One thing that stood out was Martin’s ability to get groundballs. Against the Padres, he posted a 55% groundball rate.

That kept hard-hit balls to a minimum and helped keep his pitch count down. San Diego scored all three runs on two singles and a groundout, which says a lot about how rarely they squared him up.

This wasn’t a fluke. Over the season, Martin’s 44.7% groundball rate has helped him avoid big damage from opposing hitters.

Season Stats That Tell the Story

Through 138.1 innings in 2024, Martin has a 4.03 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. Those numbers might not blow anyone away, but they show he’s a reliable mid-rotation guy who keeps his team in games.

With 99 strikeouts and 46 walks, he’s found a balance between getting outs and not giving away free passes. For a pitcher who doesn’t live on strikeouts, that’s a big deal.

Martin works ahead in counts, pounds the strike zone, and trusts his infield defense. More often than not, that approach works for him.

The Importance of Consistency

In a long season, having a reliable starter is almost as valuable as having one with electric stuff. Martin’s nine quality starts show he’s turning into that steady contributor the Sox need.

His efficiency on Friday — under 13 pitches per inning — is exactly what the team wants to see, especially with bullpen arms always in demand during the summer grind.

Looking Ahead: The Bronx Test

Martin’s next start will be on the road against the New York Yankees. They’re known for their power and patience at the plate.

This matchup will really test his groundball approach and his ability to challenge hitters without giving up the long ball. Yankee Stadium’s short porch in right field has tripped up plenty of pitchers, but Martin’s habit of keeping the ball down could help him.

If he can pair his sinker-heavy approach with sharp command, he’s got a real shot at another strong outing in the Bronx. It won’t be easy, but who knows? He’s surprised people before.

Final Thoughts

Davis Martin’s win over the Padres felt like more than just a boost to his stats. It showed his growing poise and adaptability on the mound.

The White Sox rotation has had its ups and downs. Martin’s been quietly reliable, using efficiency and groundball outs to keep his team in games.

He’s now gearing up for a tougher test against the Yankees. Friday’s performance gave him a blueprint: stay in the strike zone and trust the infield defense.

Keeping hitters off balance is key. If he can do that again, maybe win number eight isn’t far off for Martin in 2024.

 
Here is the source article for this story: White Sox’s Davis Martin: Notches seventh victory