Crosstown Classic On Tap
By: Arthur Caron
The Cubs (25-19) currently lead the NL Central by one game and are coming off a series win against Miami. They host the struggling White Sox (14-30), who sit last in the AL Central but have shown recent improvement after winning two of three in Cincinnati. The teams face off in a three-game weekend series at Wrigley Field.
Game 1: Friday, 1:20 PM
Probable Starters:
Cubs: Cade Horton (1-0, 6.75 ERA)
White Sox: Shane Smith (1-2, 2.08 ERA)
Players to Watch:
Cubs: Cade Horton – Making his first MLB start, Horton has the potential to dominate a White Sox lineup that ranks in the bottom five across multiple offensive categories.
White Sox: Luis Robert Jr. – Despite a .186 average, he’s tied for the team lead with five home runs and has 17 stolen bases. He’s historically strong against the Cubs (.304 AVG, 6 HRs in 69 ABs).
Game 2: Saturday, 1:20 PM
Probable Starters:
Cubs: Matthew Boyd (3-2, 2.78 ERA)
White Sox: Sean Burke (2-4, 4.15 ERA)
Players to Watch:
Cubs: Matthew Boyd – Acquired in the offseason, Boyd has been consistent, not allowing more than three earned runs in any of his eight starts. He has dominated Luis Robert Jr. in past matchups.
White Sox: Edgar Quero – The young catcher is hitting .407 against left-handed pitchers and .400 on first pitches this season. Boyd will need precision to neutralize him.
Game 3: Sunday, 1:20 PM
Probable Starters:
Cubs: Colin Rea (3-0, 2.48 ERA)
White Sox: Jonathan Cannon (2-4, 3.60 ERA)
Players to Watch:
Cubs: Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA) – Having a breakout season with 11 home runs already this year. His speed and power will test a defensively weak White Sox team.
White Sox: Lenyn Sosa – Hitting .429 over the past week, Sosa has multiple hits in four of his last five games, helping fuel the Sox’s recent success.
Final Thoughts:
Can the Cubs maintain their slim divisional lead while using the warmer weather to get right offensively, or will the White Sox’s improved pitching and streaking hitters pull off an upset? Share your thoughts below.