The Chicago White Sox have made an improbable playoff appearance after losing 100+ games each of the last two seasons. They're set to play another historically anomalous team in the Houston Astros, who are the first in MLB to reach the postseason without a winning record.
For Chicago, Miguel Vargas and Munetaka Murakami have helped lead the way. Vargas made his first All-Star Game this season while batting .250/.363/.474 with 33 home runs and 93 RBI. Murakami has a team-leading 35 home runs, though he's cooled off a bit after a torrid start.
The Astros have largely underwhelmed aside from a superb season from Yordan Alvarez. The 29-year-old won the American League batting title (.316) and finished second in both home runs (42) and RBI (106), narrowly
missing out on the Triple Crown.
Here's what we know about the pitching matchup for Game 1.
White Sox starting pitcher for Game 1
Hagen Smith, LHP
Smith takes the mound first in what'll be a bullpen game for Chicago. The 23-year-old has given up 11 hits and four earned runs over 28 innings pitched this season. A first-round pick out of Arkansas in 2024, Smith has a four-seam fastball, slider and cutter in his arsenal, and while he lacks elite velocity he's got solid command.
Astros starting pitcher for Game 1
AJ Blubaugh, RHP
It's also a bullpen game from Houston, who'll start with the rookie Blubaugh. The 26-year-old posted a 3.66 ERA and 1.229 WHIP over 96 innings pitched during the regular season. He's got a solid sweeper to go along with his four-seam fastball and changeup. Blubaugh hopes to rebound after allowing a run in 0.2 innings pitched against the Athletics on Friday.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: White Sox vs. Astros starting pitchers: Who's taking the mound in Game 1?
