After a gut-wrenching loss yesterday, the White Sox look to snag the rubber match tonight against the Braves and take the series as they head home for the weekend. The first two games have been all-out slugfests, so it should be interesting to see what’s in store for the offenses this evening.
Veteran Martín Pérez hits the bump after a week on the shelf. He last saw action on August 13, where he took the loss after relieving starter Shane Smith. Pérez worked 3 1/3 frames and surrendered one run on three
hits with two walks and four Ks. Prior to that outing, he hadn’t toed the rubber since April 18 due to a left flexor tendon strain.
Atlanta’s bats have been hot. Over the past 15 days, they’re slashing .275/.351/.460 with a .811 OPS and 22 homers. Pérez faces a tall order tonight. Here’s how the Braves line up against the southpaw.
Atlanta counters with rookie Hurston Waldrep, who’s been electric since his call-up on August 2. The 23-year-old flamethrower is 3-0 in as many starts, going at least five innings each time and sporting a sparkling 1.02 ERA and 0.792 WHIP. The Braves’ No. 7 prospect had a rough introduction last season, getting knocked around in two June starts for a 16.71 ERA and 2.429 WHIP. Waldrep has legitimate swing-and-miss stuff, including a fastball that can reach 99 mph and a nasty splitter that will probably make Chicago’s hitters look foolish. Be sure to check back here after the final out to see if this prediction comes true.
The South Siders’ offense has been a bit of a rollercoaster as of late, although they’ve enjoyed teeing off of the Braves’ hurlers these past couple of days. Here’s how skipper Will Venable sends them out.
Catch all the action on CHSN at 6:10 p.m. CST, now available on Comcast, Fubo, and DIRECTV. If TV’s not an option, let Len Kasper and Darin Jackson bring the game to life on ESPN 1000.
