Chicago will wrap up its three-game series in Minnesota on Thursday afternoon. The White Sox lost the first game of the series, extending their losing streak to seven games. This story was published prior to Wednesday night’s game.
Chicago had World Series aspirations entering the season, but it will not even be in the playoff field. The White Sox have been unable to play consistently winning baseball this year, going through multiple losing stretches. They are amid another one of those right now, having lost seven consecutive games heading into Wednesday’s contest. Chicago was swept by Cleveland and Detroit last week before losing Tuesday’s series opener. The White Sox are 7.5 games back of the final American League Wild Card spot and will be officially eliminated from contention in the coming days.
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— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) September 28, 2022
Their offense has been their strength this season, as they rank fifth in the majors in batting average (.258). First baseman Jose Abreu leads the way with 176 hits, as he is hitting at a .303 clip and has driven in 73 runs. He will be facing a Minnesota pitching staff that is No. 19 with an ERA of 4.03. Right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito is going to start for Chicago on Thursday afternoon. He allowed three runs on six hits in six innings against Detroit last Friday, striking out nine. Giolito has not lived up to expectations this season, with his ERA dipping to 5.05 after that outing.