Undefeated since the All-Star break!
Having so far outscored their opponents since the break by 900% — well, OK, opponent, without the s — the White Sox try for a second time to take advantage of playing the Pirates. This time the pitching matchup is even more favorable (on paper) than was the case last night.
That’s because Adrian Houser, who should have been the team’s All-Star rep, will be taking his 1.56 ERA that has somehow not aroused much trade speculation to the mound. Houser faces righty Mike Burrows, who not only has a 4.83 ERA on the season, but last time out gave up six runs to the Twins in 1 1⁄3 innings.
(Shane Smith, who actually did pitch in the Classic and managed to only hit one of the two batters he faced, was just placed on the IL with a sprained ankle, with Wikelman González called up to take his spot despite having walked 38 in 44 2⁄3 innings this season, four of the walks and innings with the Sox. Also, Will Robertson was sent to Charlotte and Brooks Baldwin was called back up for roughly the 382nd time this season.)
Burrows will face a White Sox lineup he’s never seen before, with Luis Robert Jr. in the 6-slot trying to follow up last night’s big game against a lefty with at least a decent showing against a righthander for prospective trade partners to consider.
Several of the Pirates faced Houser extensively when he was with the Brewers, including Tommy Pham (6-for-12) and Bryan Reynolds (7-for-25) with a homer. But that was the old Houser, not the new, improved version.
First pitch is scheduled for 5:40 p.m. Central with the temp about 85° and light wind blowing toward left. Usual broadcast suspects.