Series Preview: Cubs vs. White Sox
The Cubs head to the Southside to take on the White Sox Friday & Saturday.
Grady Sizemore gets his first chance to steer the White Sox to victory, having taken over managerial duties from Pedro Grifol yesterday. The Sox are 1-21 in their last 22 games.
Garret Crochet is slated to take the mound in the opener. The ace of the Sox staff is 6-8 with a 3.19 ERA on 162 Ks to just 30 walks. Crochet had another great start last time out against the Minnesota Twins, giving up just 1 hit (a homerun) in 4 innings with 3 Ks and a walk. He’ll likely continue to be on a 3-4 inning limit as the season winds down.
Chris Flexen will pitch on Saturday. The White Sox have lost all of Flexen’s last 16 starts. And, the last one was a doozy: 1.2 IP, 8 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 1 HR. The Twins won that game 7-13. We’ll see if Chris can right the ship agains the Cubs.
Speaking of the Cubs, the Northsiders had playoff aspirations to start the season, but currently sit in a statistical tie for last place in the NL Central at 57-60.
Pitching Matchups
Friday: Jameson Taillon, RHP (7-6, 3.25 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 3.97 FIP) vs. Garrett Crochet, LHP (6-8, 3.19 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 2.64 FIP)
Saturday: Justin Steele, LHP (3-5, 3.33 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 3.36 FIP) vs. Chris Flexen, RHP (2-11, 5.53 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 5.14 FIP)
Where to Watch
Friday: 7:10 pm CDT, MARQ, NBC Sports Chicago
Saturday: 6:15 pm CDT, FOX
At the Ballpark
If you’re heading to Guaranteed Rate Field this weekend, here’s what’s happening:
Friday: Post-Game Fireworks
Saturday: No promotions
Fun Fact
The 1961 Philies hold the MLB record for consecutive losses at 23. Should the Sox continue this streak, their 24th loss will be against the Cubs on August 9th.
Prediction
The White Sox are terrible, but the Cubs aren’t great, either. I like the Taillon vs. Crochet matchup for the Sox – and the dead-cat bounce a fired manager usually brings – but, I have no faith in the bullpen. Cubs sweep.
Poll
Up Next
On the other side of the weekend, the White Sox host the mighty New York Yankees at Guaranteed Rate Field for a 3-game set.
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