Cardinals sweep White Sox in doubleheader — St. Louis' first games since July 29

CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox looked like the rusty team coming off a long layoff in Game 1 of Saturday’s doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Lucas Giolito allowed four runs in the first inning as the Sox lost to the Cardinals, 5-1 at Guaranteed Rate Field.

The Cardinals had another four-run outburst in the fifth inning of Game 2. Tyler O’Neill hit a two-run home run in the inning, and the Cardinals topped the Sox 6-3 to complete the sweep.

It was a disappointing day for the Sox against a team that was playing for the first time since July 29. The Cardinals had been sidelined after a rash of positive COVID-19 tests among players and staff.