Boston Red Sox v. Chicago White Sox
U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, IL
The battle of the Sox continues this weekend, as the Red Sox travel to Chicago to face the White Sox (52-62) for a four game series. This is the first meeting of the season for the two teams.
This season, the White Sox has slipped back in the AL Central race, trailing the Royals/Twins by seven games. Chicago has struggled offensively, batting just .261 (11th in AL) for the season. Led by Carlos Quentin (19 HRs, 58 RBIs) they are slugging .425 (4th in AL) while hitting 137 HRs (tied-3rd). Javier Vazquez (8-11, 3.56 ERA) and Jose Contreras (11-8, 4.17) lead a decent pitching staff that features All Star closer Bobby Jenks (2-4, 23 SVs, 2.78 ERA)
The Red Sox are coming off a good showing against the Royals that put them 3.5 games ahead of the Yankees (69-47) in the American League East. Boston welcomes back Jonathan Papelbon (0-2, 27 SVs, 2.27 ERA) after missing their star closer over the past two weeks. In his absence, the bullpen struggles as Hideki Okajima and Manny Delcarmen both post 6.75 ERAs in July. Offensively, the Red Sox have struggled as well. The team is batting just .264 this season, 8th best in the AL while scoring 569 runs (3rd) with a .340 OBP (2nd).
Pitching Matchups:
8/8: Jon Lester (10-6, 4.05 ERA) v. Mark Buehrle (5-10, 5.13)
8/9: Clay Buchholz (9-5, 4.62) v. Javier Vazquez (8-11, 3.56)
8/10: Josh Beckett (11-5, 3.61) v. Jose Contreras (11-8, 4.17)
8/11: Daisuke Matsuzaka (15-6, 3.05) v. Joe Saunders (3-3, 5.17)