Gamethread: White Sox at Royals

After a quick start to Tuesday’s game and back-to-back home runs to tie Wednesday’s game late, the Chicago White Sox dropped both ballgames against the Washington Nationals. Tonight, the South Siders will play against the Kansas City Royals in the opener of a three-game series. The Boys in Black are ready to start another five-plus-game win streak, and if all goes well, it should begin tonight.

Prior to the game, the White Sox did not sign Dallas Keuchel (ugh), but they did find a different pitcher to claim.

For tonight’s starting pitcher, Iván Nova takes the mound for the Sox. Nova is 3-5, and he owns a rocky 6.24 ERA. On the bright side, his mound opponent is very similar. Homer Bailey is 4-6 with his not-so-very-royal 6.05 ERA. However, Nova — in his only start against Kansas City this season — only gave up one run on six hits on May 27. On the same date and in his only start against the White Sox, Bailey also gave up one run but on three hits.

The batters for both offenses will look to put up more runs. For the Sox, these guys are in charge of getting it done:

James McCann is awarded the cleanup spot over Yonder Alonso; it only took until June. Ryan Cordell finds himself starting in right field over Charlie Tilson.

For the Royals, their players will line up as seen below:

Whit Merrifield leads off, and Alex Gordon bats behind him. Adalberto Mondesi is in the damage-provoking third spot of the order. Three Sox killers are back-to-back-to-back, so Nova needs to put them down 1-2-3. It’s easier said than done, but by limiting the top third of the order, the Boys in Black will be in a good position to win the game.

NBC Sports Chicago will broadcast the 7:15 CT game, and WGN-AM will have the radio covered. The rivalry returns, and the Good Guys are ready.