The Sox are looking for a 3-game sweep and their fifth win in six tries this afternoon (who ever thought we’d be saying that this season without a smirk?) as they take on the Royals at GRF.
It will be a battle of tall righties, with Lucas Giolito having a one-inch height advantage (listed, anyway) at 6’6” to Brad Keller’s 6-5. However, on performance so far this year, the edge goes to Keller, who has a 2.45 ERA vs. Giolito’s 6.19.
Both pitched well against today’s opponent in the opening series in KC. Keller was sensational opening day, tossing seven innings of two-hit, one walk, 5 K shutout ball. Giolito was tremendous most of the way three days later, retiring 18 in a row after an opening walk, ending up at 6 2/3, three hits and two runs, while issuing just the one walk and picking up 8 Ks in by far his best outing of the young season.
The Sox hope the momentum of yesterday’s four dingers will overcome Keller. James McCann will be doing the catching:
Note that the Sox lineup doesn’t include Daniel Palka, so his chance to extend his 0-for-32 start is delayed.
The Royals counter with:
Presumably the grimace is from the pressure of trying to avoid a sweep.
Game time is 1:10 Central and the forecast is now for just a 15% chance of rain. NBC Sports has the TV, WGN the radio.