The Oakland A's (50-88) will host the Chicago White Sox (70-68) on Friday night in the second contest of a four-game series. Thursday's series opener was a laugher, with the White Sox beating the A's 14-2.
The White Sox have alot to play for trailing the Guardians by 1.5 games for first in the AL Central and tied with the Twins for second. Winning the division is Chicago's most realistic path to the postseason, as they are seven games behind Toronto for a wild card spot, with the Orioles also standing in their way.
Nothing stood in Chicago's way on Thursday, as they racked up 21 hits for the game and led the A's 14-0 after the six innings. Yoan Moncada had a huge day going 5 for 6 at the plate with two home runs and five RBI.
Yoan Moncada stepped up big as the @whitesox continue to battle for the AL Central. ?? pic.twitter.com/qiRttgpBfa
— MLB (@MLB) September 9, 2022
Chicago is 19th averaging 4.2 runs per game, third with a .259 batting average, and 24th with 120 home runs. Injuries have been a problem for the White Sox throughout the season. Currently, Luis Roberts is questionable for Friday, and Tim Anderson has been out since August 6. Lucas Giolito (10-9, 5.21 ERA) will make the start on Friday. He also has been much better on the road with a 6-2 record and 3.91 ERA.