The Chicago White Sox’s slumbering offense came alive their last time out, something they will try to build on Saturday as they continue their three-game road series against the Kansas City Royals. The White Sox, who have scored an American League-low 263 runs, won for only the third time in 18 road games in Friday’s 9-1 victory. The offensive output tied Chicago’s season-high total in a road game and helped the White Sox (30-41) avoid going 13 games under .500 for the first time since 2007.
The Royals fell to 12-7 in June, losing control of the series opener early when Jeremy Guthrie lasted only 2 1/3 innings – the 19th time a Kansas City starter failed to make it through five innings. The offense, which ranks only ahead of Chicago and the Seattle Mariners in the AL, scored three runs or fewer for the fourth straight contest and 43rd time this season. The Royals are only 6-13 against left-handers, meaning their struggling offense could be in for another long day against southpaw Jose Quintana.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, Fox Sports Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Jose Quintana (3-2, 3.86 ERA) vs. Royals RH Wade Davis (4-5, 5.18)
Quintana struggled in his last turn, throwing only 59 of his 104 pitches for strikes, but did not factor into the decision during Monday’s 4-2 win over Houston, The left-hander allowed two runs on five hits and three walks over 4 2/3 innings – his shortest start since his season debut. Quintana, who is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in four career starts against the Royals, has collected no-decisions in all four of his June outings and is winless over his last five.
Davis halted a five-start winless drought, limiting the Tampa Bay Rays – his former team – to two runs and five hits over six frames in Sunday’s 5-3 victory. The right-hander gave up both runs during a 35-pitch first inning, but settled down to throw five scoreless frames thereafter. Davis held Chicago to one run over six innings in a no-decision on May 5 and has enjoyed great success against the White Sox in eight all-time appearances (five starts), going 3-1 with a 1.78 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Kansas City has won seven of its last nine at Kauffman Stadium following its club-record 11-game home losing streak.
2. Chicago has dropped 13 of its last 19 in Kansas City.
3. White Sox 1B Adam Dunn needs one more home run to tie Billy Williams (426) for 46th place on the all-time list.
PREDICTION: White Sox 3, Royals 2