The Chicago White Sox are feeling optimistic. The team might be just 10-14 on the season, but a couple solid wins and comeback efforts have the roster excited for what is to come. The White Sox have two straight wins over the American League Central leading Detroit Tigers and are aiming to complete the home sweep, their first against the team in nine seasons.
Chicago's season did not get off to the start everyone expected it to as the team went 0-5 on a recent road trip. They were off to an 8-14 start and things were looking dismal until they got two wins over the Tigers. Tuesday brought an 8-2 while Wednesday's win came with a three-run rally in the eighth inning for a 7-6 win. The White Sox got big production from Melky Cabrera who knocked out a three-run homer and Avisail Garcia who hit the go-ahead homer for the big win.
Jose Quintana will get the start to complete the sweep. The pitcher is 1-2 with a 5.28 ERA, but he has struggled recently against the Tigers. Quintana had one of his worst starts against the Tigers back in mid-April when he gave up nine runs and 10 hits in just four innings. The White Sox fell 9-1 on the road. Since then, he has put up a 1.93 ERA with two subpar outings. In his career he is 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA in five starts against the Tigers.
The Tigers are planning to counter with Kyle Lobstein who is 2-2 with a 3.91 ERA. He is also coming off a rough outing after giving up three runs in the first inning in a loss to Kansas City. Lobstein is replacing Justin Verlander who is currently injured and was skipped in the rotation. Manager Brad Ausmus remains hopeful that Verlander returns without any issues in the coming days. Lobstein must step up considering the Tigers are not looking to get swept on the road. The pitcher is a 2-0 loser in his one start against Chicago last September.