​Anthony Kay will aim to build on his previous success against the Guardians. The Chicago White Sox rode a 6-3 stretch over nine games into their series with Cleveland, but a loss in the opener would even the division race at the top of the AL Central. With three games left, one team will be in the lead after this series. Last night the White Sox held a lead entering the bottom of the ninth, but Grant Taylor’s miscue makes the next three games crucial for Chicago. With lingering frustration over how the game ended, the White Sox will look to spark their offense early.
Gavin Williams will start for the Guardians. Despite a 6.04 ERA for June, Williams brings a 9-4 record and a 3.81 ERA into the game. He faced the White Sox on June 22, going five innings and allowing just two earned runs on five hits. That contest was a back-and-forth affair, similar to last night, and was closer than it should have been thanks to a shaky White Sox bullpen. Unlike that game, Chicago managed a late rally on June 22, capped by a Sam Antonacci single in the bottom of the ninth to steal the win.
Anthony Kay gets the ball for Chicago, the same pitcher who matched up with Williams in that earlier game. He delivered six innings of three-hit, shutout ball, though he did not receive the win. This season has been rough for Kay, who posted a 6.35 ERA in June after going 4-0 with a 1.95 ERA in May. Three of his June starts came against high-powered offenses—the Phillies, Dodgers, and Yankees.
Both starters can suppress the opposing lineup, and it’s unlikely one will dominate the other. Ultimately, this matchup may hinge on bullpen performances, with neither side having room for error and the White Sox seeking to avert a three-game skid in a July contest that could feel playoff-like.
Here are the starting lineups: Chicago White Sox: [lineup]. Cleveland Guardians: [lineup]. First pitch is at 6:10 p.m. CST. The game will be on CHSO, with radio coverage on ESPN Chicago 1000. Share your thoughts and predictions below! Join the conversation! Sign up for an account to enjoy fewer ads, post comments, and receive improved notifications.