Astros at White Sox
The owners of the American League's worst record vie for a sweep against the team with the best mark in the Junior Circuit on Thursday, as the Chicago White Sox wrap up their three-game series against the visiting Houston Astros. The White Sox answered a six-game skid during which they mustered 16 runs by erupting for 15 in back-to-back victories over the Astros.
Tim Anderson homered for the second time in four contests and recorded his fourth multi-hit performance during his seven-game hitting streak in Chicago's 7-1 romp on Wednesday. While the White Sox are staring at a significant uphill climb, the suddenly sputtering Astros have misfired to the tune of eight losses in their last 11 contests. His team's recent struggles aside, Alex Bregman is riding high with an 11-game hitting streak - including 10 straight contests with an extra-base hit to tie the franchise record set by Richard Hidalgo in 2000. Sixteen of the 23-year-old's 28 hits since the All-Star break have gone for extra bases.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), CSN Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Brad Peacock (10-1, 3.20 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (1-4, 4.66)
Peacock has benefited from receiving nearly 10 runs per nine innings, and that strong backing came into play Friday against Toronto. The 29-year-old became only the third Astros starter to win a game despite surrendering at least seven earned runs in a 16-7 victory over the Blue Jays. Peacock permitted three homers after entering the contest having allowed just two all season.
Rodon settled for his second straight no-decision on Friday despite striking out a career high-tying 11 for the second time in three outings. The 24-year-old allowed just two runs and six hits in 7 2/3 innings against Boston as his winless stretch was extended to five contests. Rodon has been roughed up by Carlos Beltran (5-for-9, three doubles) and Jose Altuve (3-for-9), while George Springer is just 1-for-9 with three strikeouts versus the left-hander.
WALK-OFFS
1. Houston has lost four in a row on the road but still sports the majors' best record away from home (38-17).
2. Chicago 3B Nicky Delmonico is 11-for-23 during his six-game hitting streak.
3. Astros OF Josh Reddick is 0-for-8 in the series after hitting safely in 11 of his previous 12 contests.