Game Preview: Can the Chicago White Sox get back to .500?
May 30, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher John Danks (50) throws a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Following a rain out on Tuesday night, the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers will try this baseball playing thing out again tonight as the Whtie Sox are scheduled to host the Tigers at 7:10 p.m. CDT at US Cellular Field.
On Monday, the White Sox won over the Tigers, 6-5, but this game will be just as tough for the “Good Guys,” as they will be facing longtime nemesis Justin Verlander.
This year the numbers of Verlander aren’t very “Verlander-like” thus far, as he is 6-5 with a 4.19 ERA.
Jun 10, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) practices before the game against the Chicago White Sox at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Even in his last 20 innings pitched (three starts) the former CY Young Award winner is 1-2 with a 6.30 ERA with just 12 strikeouts.
He’s pitched 215 innings against the White Sox, building a record of 15-12 with a 3.98 ERA and 163 strikeouts.
In 10 at-bats against Verlander, Tyler Flowers has had some success with a .300 average and two home runs, both solo. Conor Gillaspie has faced Verlander six times with a .333 average.
Designated hitter Adam Dunn has his struggles against the right-handed pitcher, possessing a .200 average in 25 at-bats, but he does have three home runs and seven RBIs against one of the aces of the Tigers.
Opposing Verlander for the White Sox is left-handed pitcher John Danks, who has a 4-5 overall record and to go with that, a 4.32 ERA in 2014.
Danks has pitched very well his past three starts, with a 1-1 mark to go with a 1.21 ERA and 13 strikeouts. He has pitched 120 innings against the Tigers in his career, building a 5-10 mark with a 5.18 ERA (92 strikeouts).
I’m not sure what to expect from this game, but it does intrigue me. Which Verlander and Danks will show up, that is the million dollar question?
If they both pitch some of their best baseball we are in for a pitching treat, but if they don’t, well we might be in store for a few hours of offensive and high-scoring baseball.
Here are the starting lineups for Wednesday, June 11:
Chicago White Sox (32-33)
1. Adam Eaton (CF)
2. Gordon Beckham (2B)
3. Conor Gillaspie (3B)
4. Jose Abreu (1B)
5. Adam Dunn (DH)
6. Alexei Ramirez (SS)
7. Dayan Viciedo (LF)
8. Alejandro De Aza (RF)
9. Adrian Nieto (C)
Detroit Tigers (33-27)
1. Rajai Davis (LF)
2. Ian Kinsler (2B)
3. Miguel Cabrera (1B)
4. Victor Martinez (DH)
5. Torii Hunter (RF)
6. Austin Jackson (CF)
7. Nick Castellanos (3B)
8. Alex Avila (C)
9. Eugenio Suarez (SS)