Chris Sale Looks To Extend Scoreless Streak – Lineups 5/28
By Matt Adams
On Monday, May 6th in the first inning of a game between the White Sox and the Royals, Billy Butler hit a double. Alex Gordon, who had hit an infield single scored on the play. That was the last run Chris Sale allowed. So here we are, nearly 24 innings later, with Chris Sale facing a Cubs team that has put up 12 runs in their last 2 games. By the way the White Sox offense performed against Jeff Samardzija last night, a few more runs could mean they’ve established a 3 game win streak, which would equal their season high. Sale missed his last start, of course, with the shoulder tendonitis, but is said to be feeling fine and ready to go for tonight’s tilt.
Edwin Jackson is the owner of what might be the meanest off the mound strut in the majors. Decidedly less impressive is his 6.11 ERA for 2013. We’ve long been confused by Jackson’s performance, before, during, and after his time on the Southside. The performance he’s put forth so far this year would represent the worst season of his career if things don’t turn around. Mixed in with his typical “meh” outings are a couple clunkers and absolutely no “wow, can we get some more of those?!” type outings. Edwin Jackson is in a bad way. Add in a below average offense and a bullpen that has trouble holding onto anything resembling a lead and the Cubs have only come out with a win in 2 of Jackson’s 10 starts.
Today’s Lineup:
1.De Aza – CF
2.Ramirez – SS
3.Rios – RF
4.Dunn – DH
5.Konerko – 1B
6.Viciedo – LF
7.Gillaspie – 3B
8.Greene – 2B
9.Flowers – C
Jeff Keppinger will get the night off, though I’m sure he’s going to be swinging early and often from the bench anyway. Such is his nature. The core might be rotting, but there should be some life left in this offense yet. Today seems as good a day as any to squeeze a little something out of it.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1.Julio Borbon – CF
2.Starlin Castro – SS
3.Anthony Rizzo – 1B
4.Alfonso Soriano – LF
5.Scott Hairston – RF
6.Wellington Castillo – C
7.Cody Ransom – 3B
8.Dioner Navarro – DH
9.Darwin Barney – 2B
Anybody that doesn’t think that the National League is at a disadvantage in American League parks, I present to you Dioner Navarro: DH.
Where to Watch
Today’s game will be broadcast on both WCIU and CSN. One will have the Cubs broadcast team, the other the Sox. I’ll leave it up to you to figure out which. Enjoy. 7:10 Central start time.