Gamethread: Twins at White Sox

Wasn’t last night’s game something special? In a matchup between the White Sox (31-16) and Twins (30-19), two teams destined for the playoffs, the South Siders came through with a 3-1 victory.

The White Sox have won five straight, and this is the third winning streak of at least that length this season. Things are clicking, and starting pitcher Dane Dunning looks to keep it that way. Dunning, a 25-year-old rookie, enters with a 2.70 ERA, 2.80 FIP, and 3.51 xFIP. According to FanGraphs, through four starts (20 innings), Dunning has been worth 0.7 wins above replacement. Those are great numbers, though Dunning has yet to face a lineup as strong as Minnesota’s. Dunning has faced Kansas City twice, Detroit, and Pittsburgh. Outside of Giolito and Keuchel, who have pitched admirably, the White Sox’s rotation looks a bit shaky as we near the postseason. Dunning could be the No. 3 starter in the playoffs, but is he ready for such a role? Tonight’s game could serve as a measuring stick for Dunning.

It will be a righty vs. righty matchup, as Randy Dobnak will start for the Twins. Dobnak, also 25, has a 3.61 ERA, 4.03 FIP, and 4.39 xFIP in 42 ¹⁄₃ innings. Per FanGraphs, Dobnak has also been worth 0.7 WAR. Dobnak has pitched against the White Sox once this season (July 25). In that outing, Dobnak allowed only one run on three hits in four innings, but the White Sox ran away against Minnesota’s bullpen to win 10-3.

Here are tonight’s starting lineups:

Before the game, the White Sox made the following announcement:

Best of luck to Fry as he reenters the bullpen. Throughout Fry’s career, left-handed opposing hitters are slashing only .180/.301/.247 against him, making him a valuable asset in relief.

Tonight’s game will start at 7:10 CST. NBC Sports Chicago will televise it, and WGN 720 will have the radio coverage.

That magic number is getting mighty low. Let’s keep the good times rolling.