White Sox at Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies have been heating up since the calendar turned to July. With seven wins in 10 contests this month, the Phillies will look to continue that momentum on Friday, when they begin a three-game interleague series against the visiting Chicago White Sox. Kevin Frandsen's pinch-hit RBI double in the seventh inning helped Philadelphia post a 3-1 triumph over National League East-rival Washington on Thursday.
Chicago enjoyed a rare power surge, erupting for 22 runs en route to claiming two of three from American League Central rival Detroit. Josh Phegley highlighted Thursday's offensive explosion with a grand slam, his third homer in five games. The cellar-dwelling White Sox will look to stretch their muscles against rookie Jonathan Pettibone, who is vying to win his third consecutive start.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, CSN (Chicago, Philadelphia)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH John Danks (2-6, 4.31 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jonathan Pettibone (5-3, 3.84)
Danks suffered his fourth loss in five outings despite yielding three runs over seven innings in a 3-1 setback to Tampa Bay on Sunday. The 28-year-old has struggled mightily away from home, posting an 0-5 mark with a gaudy 6.43 ERA while allowing batters to hit .310 against him. Danks has faced the Phillies once in his career, logging 4 2/3 innings before settling for a no-decision.
Pettibone has won his last two trips to the mound, allowing one run and matching a season high with six strikeouts in both contests. The 22-year-old owns a 3-1 mark with a 2.45 ERA at home this year. Pettibone has permitted just one homer in his last four turns.
WALK-OFFS
1. Philadelphia CF Ben Revere went 2-for-4 on Thursday to extend his hitting streak to nine games.
2. Chicago SS Alexei Ramirez exited Thursday's tilt with a cramp in his right leg. Ramirez has not missed a contest this season.
3. The White Sox have won six of their last 20 road contests.