Chicago @ Washington preview
Nationals Park
Last Meeting ( Apr 10, 2013 ) Chi. White Sox 2, Washington 5
The Washington Nationals tied for the second-best home record in the majors a year ago, and they're well on their way to another tremendous home-field advantage. Washington will attempt to remain undefeated at Nationals Park when it tries for a three-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. The Nationals have slammed five home runs in the series, including Bryce Harper's fourth of the season in Wednesday's 5-2 victory.
The White Sox already are assured of dropping their first series of the season after taking two of three from Kansas City and Seattle to start the year. They need to salvage a win before continuing their 10-game road trip Friday at Cleveland. Chicago entered the series with the best team ERA in the American League, but the White Sox have allowed 12 earned runs in two games after giving up a total of 15 in their first six contests.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, MASN2 (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Dylan Axelrod (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Dan Haren (0-1, 13.50)
Axelrod went toe-to-toe with Felix Hernandez in his first outing of the season as the 27-year-old allowed one unearned run on three hits over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision. Axelrod has never faced the Nationals, nor has he faced any player on Washington's roster.
Haren's debut with the Nationals wasn't pretty as he was shelled for six runs on nine hits over four innings in a loss to the Reds. He surrendered four home runs and needs to do a better job of keeping the ball down. Haren is 2-1 with a 3.53 ERA in six starts against the White Sox and has won his last two decisions against them.
WALK-OFFS
1. White Sox OF Alex Rios has hit safely in all eight games this season and 14 straight dating to 2012. Rios is 6-for-20 with a homer against Haren.
2. The Nationals have hit at least one home run in eight of their nine games.
3. Chicago 2B Gordon Beckham is expected to miss a second consecutive game with a sore left wrist. Jeff Keppinger took his place at second Wednesday, with Conor Gillaspie starting at third.
PREDICTION: White Sox 5, Nationals 3