Game Preview: Chris Sale vs. Tim Hudson … enough said
Jun 12, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher
Chris Sale(49) delivers in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
It seems like every time Chicago White Sox starter Chris Sale takes the mound it is a big game atmosphere. Last time out Sale opposed Max Scherzer of the Detroit Tigers. This start on Wednesday he faces Tim Hudson of the San Francisco Giants.
Two of the best pitchers in all of baseball will be live at US Cellular Field in a game that could be one of the better ones of the season.
June 7, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher
Tim Hudson(17) delivers a pitch against the New York Mets during the first inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Hudson enters the game with a 7-2 overall record with a 1.81 ERA. The right-handed ace of the Giants is 2-0 in his past three starts with a 1.42 ERA. Hudson has 16 strikeouts in those starts.
In 13 starts this season Hudson has pitched 89.1 innings entering Wednesday’s start. He’s allowed just four home runs this year, and the Cy Young candidate has struck out 60 batters and walked just 13.
Hudson is holding opponents to a .223 average with a WHIP of 0.97.
For his career, against the White Sox Hudson is 4-3 with a 5.15 ERA with 35 strikeouts in 57.2 innings.
Players to watch for the White Sox against Hudson are Adam Dunn and Alexei Ramirez. Dunn is batting .316 for his career against Hudson in 19 at-bats with three home runs and five RBIs. Ramirez has five at-bats vs. Hudson, with a .600 average and one RBI.
On the other hand, Sale is 1-1 in his last three starts with a 2.35 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 23 innings. He’s never faced the Giants, but has faced Gregor Blanco and Michael Morse with Morse having a home run vs. Sale in four at-bats.
This season, Sale has three games with 10 strikeouts against the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and his most recent start against the Detroit Tigers on June 12.
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One problem Sale has is giving up home runs lately, as he allowed two in his past two combined starts, one being a grand slam to Mike Trout on June 7. He’s allowed four home runs this season.
With that said the Giants are tied for sixth in the Majors (second in the NL) in home runs with 75.
The game will air on WGN at 1:10 p.m. CT and for out-of-market viewers on MLB.TV. The game can also be listed to on WSCR 670 and MLB Audio.
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Here are the starting lineups for Wednesday, June 18:
Chicago White Sox (34-37)
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 (RF)
8. Alejandro De Aza (LF)
9. Tyler Flowers (C)
San Francisco Giants (43-28)
1. Gregor Blanco (LF)
2. Hunter Pence (RF)
3. Buster Posey (C)
4. Pablo Sandoval (3B)
5. Michael Morse (DH)
6. Joaquin Arias (1B)
7. Brandon Hicks (2B)
8. Ehire Adrianza (SS)
9. Juan Perez (CF)