Gamethread: Orioles at White Sox

Happy Sunday, Sox fans!

Today, the Chicago White Sox will play the final game of their homestand and go for the four-game series sweep against the Baltimore Orioles. Yesterday, the team grabbed both wins of the doubleheader against the Orioles, and are currently 5-1 in their last six games. Billy Hamilton, José Abreu, and Liam Hendriks were just some of the stars of those games, so who knows what today will bring.

A win today before heading into their series in Cleveland (and doubleheader on Monday) would be great to help grow their current three-game lead in the American League Central.

Let’s take a look at our starting pitchers for today.

It looks like the White Sox will get lucky by facing another lefty on the mound, as Keegan Akin gets the start for the Orioles. Akin has played four games this season, but his first start will be today as he makes the switch into the rotation from long relief . He does have a 1.26 WHIP, but also a high ERA at 6.10. In his last game against the Minnesota Twins, Akin pitched three relief innings and allowed three hits, two runs, and three strikeouts. His four-seam fastball is used 58.5% of the time, followed by his changeup, which he throws 29.5% of the time. He also has a slider and curveball. Hopefully the White Sox lineup can take advantage of the rookie’s first start and rack up some runs early on.

Lucas Giolito, who has been bouncing back ever since his few-game slump earlier in the season, will be on the mound this afternoon. The righty is currently 4-4, with a 4.04 ERA and 1.17 WHIP. In 55 ⅔ innings pitched, he has 66 strikeouts. His last start against the St. Louis Cardinals was a successful outing, as he went six innings and allowed six hits, one run, and had five strikeouts. He also had no walks in his last outing, which was an improvement from his last few games prior to that. He relies on three pitches, a fastball that he throws 45.8% of the time, changeup 36.9% of the time, and slider 17.3% of the time.

Here are today’s starting lineups:

Tim Anderson will lead it off, followed by Nick Madrigal in the 2-spot today as Yasmani Grandal gets the day off. Yermín Mercedes is looking to bounce back after going hitless in yesterday’s games, while Leury García will take right field as Adam Eaton continues to rest his injury. Zack Collins will be behind the plate followed by “Billy The Hitter” Hamilton, the ultimate spark plug of the team, looking to display his offensive and defensive powers yet again.

Game time is at 1:10 p.m. CT on NBCSCHI. You can also listen in at ESPN 1000 if you are out and about on this sunny Sunday afternoon. Let’s get those broomsticks ready yet again!