This One’s For All The Marbles – Game Preview and Lineups 8/28

Chris Sale vs. the Astros. Last time this happened Sale “earned” a loss. Just awful. Terrible, terrible. He pitched the entire game, true. He didn’t allow any earned runs, yes, that’s also true. He only struck out 14 though. Completely unacceptable and likely the key to the loss. A few more and maybe he’d have been looking at a win. Tonight Chris Sale looks to strike out 15 or more Astros so that he won’t go down in history as a terrible pitcher.

Local boy Jared Cosart is among the spots of hope for the Astros. The 23 year-old came up in July and has been pitching effectively every day out. His worst outing was his last one, in which he gave up 3 runs to Texas over the course of 6 innings. Not too shabby. He started his MLB career by throwing a 2 hitter over 8 innings against the perplexingly perennial no-hit candidate Tampa Bay Rays and he’s remained impressive ever since. The knock is his control, he doles out a few walks every game, a habit that might get him into trouble if it continues.

Today’s Lineup:

1.Little Garcia – SS
2.Beckham – 2B
3.Keppinger – 3B
4.Dunn – DH
5.Konerko – 1B
6.Big Garcia – CF
7.Danks – RF
8.Viciedo – LF
9.Phegley – C

Leury Garcia’s first start is followed up by, naturally, his second. Less naturally he goes from batting 9th to batting lead-off.

Houston Astros Lineup:

1.Robbie Grossman – LF
2.L.J. Hoes – RF
3.Jose Altuve – DH
4.Matt Dominguez – 3B
5.Chris Carter – 1B
6.Brandon Barnes – CF
7.Jake Elmore – 2B
8.Jonathon Villar – SS
9.Cody Clark – C

Where to Watch
Today’s game will be broadcast on Comcast Sports Net in both Chicago and Houston. 7:10 Central start time.