The Chicago White Sox come into a four-game home series against Cleveland on a roll, with three straight dramatic one-run wins over the Royals. But, while the Indians have had plenty of problems this season, they’re coming off winning a series in Boston where they scored a whole bunch of runs.
The Sox are just two games behind the 28-27 Tribe, and the teams have split the season 4-4 so far, so the series provides a chance to catch up. Unfortunately, the pitching matchup tonight is nasty.
This will be the third time that Manny Bañuelos and Carlos Carrasco have started against each other already this year, and the results have been gruesome. Bañuelos has lasted 8 1⁄3 innings total, giving up 10 earned runs in the process. Carrasco has mowed down the Sox like they’re a suburban lawn and he’s John Deere — 12 innings, eight hits (seven of them singles), no runs, 12 Ks, no walks.
The only Sox player with success against Carrasco has been Yonder Alonzo, of all people — 3-of-6 with a double — so for once there’s actually an excuse for him and his .172 average to be hitting cleanup.
Carlos Santana, who had five RBIs yesterday, will be in the three-slot for Cleveland.
SS Francisco Lindor (S)
2B Jason Kipnis (L)
DH Carlos Santana (S)
RF Jordan Luplow (R)
3B Jose Ramirez (S)
LF Oscar Mercado (R)
1B Jake Bauers (L)
C Roberto Perez (R)
CF Leonys Martin (L)
It’s a beautiful night for a ballgame.
First pitch 7:10 Central. NBC Sports on the telly, WGN-AM on the Marconi.