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Chicago White Sox vs. Chicago Cubs Series Preview

By Patrick Sheldon

CHICAGO, IL - JULY 27: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Chicago Cubs slides safely into third base with a triple as Matt Davidson #24 of the Chicago White Sox takes the late throw during the sixth inning on July 27, 2017 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JULY 27: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Chicago Cubs slides safely into third base with a triple as Matt Davidson #24 of the Chicago White Sox takes the late throw during the sixth inning on July 27, 2017 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /
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On the Bump

Friday, May 11 at 2:20 PM EST (Carson Fulmer vs Tyler Chatwood)

The Series kicks off Friday afternoon with Carson Fulmer (2-2) and Tyler Chatwood (2-3) taking the mound for the White Sox and Cubs respectively. Chatwood should be well rested as he is coming off a very short outing against the Cardinals in which he lasted only four innings and walked five.

Similarly, Fulmer didn’t make it out of the third inning in his last start against the Twins. He will certainly be looking to rebound from a performance in which he gave up four home runs. The right-hander is sporting an unflattering 5.02 ERA, though he seems to fair slightly better on the road with a 4.15 ERA.

Saturday, May 12 at 2:20 PM EST (Hector Santiago vs Jon Lester)

Saturday’s tilt also starts at 2:20 EST in what should be a pitching matchup that heavily favors the Cubs. Jon Lester (2-1) is on the bump for the Cubs while Hector Santiago (0-1) is slated to get the ball for the White Sox.

Santiago was abysmal in his last start against the Twins, lasting 3 1/3 innings while giving up eight earned runs and six walks. He must be better this time around to assist a bullpen who has been taxed recently by short outings from Santiago and Fulmer. Lester, on the other hand, has been very solid, posting a 2.82 ERA to start the season. He was good enough in his last start against the Cardinals giving up only two runs. However, the Cubs weren’t able to pull out a win for the left-hander.

Sunday, May 13 at 2:20 PM EST (James Shields vs Kyle Hendricks)

The Series finale is also a day-game, which figures to be the best pitching matchup of the weekend. As mentioned above, James Shields (1-3) is coming off an outing which saw him take a no-hitter into the seventh inning. He will look to build on that performance in what has been an otherwise disappointing season so far.

Kyle Hendricks, on the other hand, is sporting a nifty 3.02 ERA and has gone at least seven innings in each of his last three starts. His most recent outing was a gem, in which he scattered six hits over eight innings, and earned the victory. He’s also been outstanding at home, where opponents are hitting a mere .188 against him.

Next: Did Cubs treat Arrieta fairly?

Bottom Line

The weather is turning just as things look to heat up at Wrigley Field this weekend. The Cubs and White Sox each come into the series with different goals, but each team stands to gain (or lose) a lot, depending on the outcome. Either way, fans will have plenty to talk about this week.

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