White Sox Must Gain Series Victory Over Indians

Aug 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians catcher Roberto Perez (55) stands at home plate at Chicago White Sox right fielder Adam Eaton (1) hit a grand slam in the ninth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians catcher Roberto Perez (55) stands at home plate at Chicago White Sox right fielder Adam Eaton (1) hit a grand slam in the ninth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

White Sox avoid falling to 10 games under .500 against AL Central division opponents on Wednesday. The White Sox however can win their second consecutive series on Thursday night.

With another division loss looming for the White Sox on Wednesday, Adam Eaton hit a grand slam in the ninth inning against Cleveland. The home run was Eaton’s 11th of the season. With the 10-7 win, the team won just their third game against the Indians this season.

The pale hose should have lost the game, but found a way to win in the ninth inning. This was uncommon territory for this team against Cleveland this season. After avoiding another series loss to the Indians, the south siders can win the series on Thursday night. The White Sox haven’t won a road series against any team in the division except the Twins this season.

The Indians are running away with the division thanks to a stranglehold on Chicago. Cleveland also has an impressive record against the Tigers, and are 32-17 overall against the division. This season, Chicago is 20-28 against the division. Last season, the south siders finished with a 32-44 record against the AL Central division. The team hasn’t had a winning record against the division since 2012. They finished that season with a poor 28-50 record against the division.

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The White Sox record against the AL Central division speaks volumes about the team’s season. After a 17-8 April, the team hasn’t had another winning month this season. The team’s road record is woeful at 28-36. With the conclusion of a nine game road trip on Thursday, the team can also finish 5-4 with a  win.

This nine game road trip has been brutal but somewhat effective thus far. Despite only winning one game against the Royals, the team took two out of three games against Miami. The pale hose need all the positive momentum they can get, as they look to avoid another losing season.

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On Thursday, the team will send Carlos Rodon to the mound against the Indians. Rodon is coming off two consecutive quality starts, and will look for his fourth win this season. The Indians will start Danny Salazar. The pale hose will try to win their second consecutive series for the first time since early July.