Orioles at White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are enjoying their best stretch of the season, and they look to complete their eight-game homestand with a 6-2 record when they face the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday afternoon. Chicago is 2-1 entering the finale of the four-game set, and Wednesday's 11-1 victory was its best offensive output since it scored 14 runs in its season opener.
Adam Engel, Yoan Moncada and Jose Rondon all homered in Wednesday's game as the White Sox went 5-for-7 with runners in scoring position. The light-hitting Engel scored three runs and matched his career high of four hits to raise his batting average 29 points to .212. Baltimore has registered just six runs and 18 hits over the first three games of the series and owns the worst road record in the majors at 5-21. Chris Davis was hitless in four at-bats on Wednesday and is 2-for-35 with 17 strikeouts in his last nine contests.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), WGN (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (2-6, 4.70 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (3-4, 6.42)
Bundy lost to Boston in his last turn, his fourth setback in five starts. The 25-year-old gave up four runs and five hits in six innings versus the Red Sox and has posted a horrific 9.41 ERA during the five-start stretch after compiling a stellar 1.42 ERA over his first five outings this season. Bundy is 3-0 with a 4.26 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) against the White Sox and has experienced difficulties with Jose Abreu (6-for-9, home run).
Giolito has won back-to-back starts after recording just one victory over his first seven turns. The 23-year-old is tied for the most walks issued (34) in the American League and has recorded just 27 strikeouts over 47 2/3 innings. Giolito, who is starting against Baltimore for the first time, is 1-2 with a horrific 10.19 ERA in four home turns this season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Orioles RF Mark Trumbo (knee) could miss his second straight game since going 4-for-4 on Tuesday.
2. Chicago OF Leury Garcia (knee) departed Wednesday's contest in the fifth inning and will be re-evaluated on Thursday.
3. Baltimore RHP Darren O'Day (elbow) was scratched from a scheduled side session on Wednesday due to discomfort.