CHICAGO — White Sox pitcher Liam Hendriks celebrated National Cancer Survivors Day with his first win since conquering cancer Sunday afternoon.
Hendriks, who was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma and missed the start of the season, returned to the mound and led the White Sox to a convincing 6-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers, completing a three-game series sweep.
Hendriks (1-0) delivered a flawless performance in the ninth inning, retiring all three Tigers batters he faced, including two strikeouts. This marked his third appearance since his triumphant return from the debilitating disease.
The timing of his win aligned perfectly with National Cancer Survivors Day, providing an extra layer of significance and inspiration.
Reflecting on his journey, Hendriks expressed his hopes of motivating others, stating, “Hopefully, I can continue moving forward and continue somewhat of at least doing the right thing on the field, and give people some hope to continue fighting.”
The game against the Tigers showcased not only Hendriks’ remarkable comeback but also the White Sox’s resilience. With one out in the ninth inning, Yoan Moncada and Tim Anderson drew walks, setting the stage for Jake Burger’s heroics. Burger delivered a game-ending grand slam, his first career slam and home run, securing the victory for the White Sox.
Looking ahead, the White Sox will face the New York Yankees in their upcoming series. The team aims to carry the momentum of their sweep and Hendriks’ inspiring return as they continue their quest for success in the season.
Hendriks’ remarkable journey from cancer diagnosis to pitching and winning on National Cancer Survivors Day serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar battles.
