By now, most are aware of the battle that Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks was forced to endure over the winter.
Back in January, the veteran closer was diagnosed with cancer.
As such, he missed the first two months of the season.
However, the 34-year-old bounced back and made his return towards the end of May.
Sunday was National Cancer Survivors Day.
Hendriks took the mound in the ninth inning during the White Sox’s series finale the Detroit Tigers on Sunday.
He pitched a perfect inning and struck out two batters, setting up Jake Burger’s walk-off grand slam.
As a result, Hendriks earned the win on this special day.
On National Cancer Survivors Day, Liam Hendriks earns the win. 💚 pic.twitter.com/i0horEeAl1
— MLB (@MLB) June 4, 2023
Hendriks has certainly been through a lot lately since his cancer diagnosis.
However, the veteran right-hander has fought back from this adversity and has returned to full strength as one of the top relievers in all of baseball.
Getting the win on National Cancer Survivors Day was simply the icing on the cake after such a long and arduous journey towards recovery.
Hendriks kept the Tigers at bay as he set up Burger’s late-game heroics.
It was also his first win of the season.
He returned to action last week against the Los Angeles Angels after missing almost two full months.
The White Sox won Sunday’s game by a final of 6-2 over the Tigers.
They have now won three straight games and have seemingly been inspired by the triumphant return of their All-Star closer.
Hendriks saved 37 games last season.
NEXT: Liam Hendriks Comments On His Emotional Return