Chicago @ Philadelphia preview
Citizens Bank Park
Last Meeting ( Jul 12, 2013 ) Chi. White Sox 0, Philadelphia 0
The Philadelphia Phillies will look to continue their success this month when they host a day-night doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox on Saturday. The Phillies kicked off July by taking two of three from both the Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves, teams well ahead of them in the National League standings. Philadelphia enters the three-game interleague set, which begins a day late after Friday's opener was rained out, having won three of four against the Washington Nationals.
Chicago currently resides in last place in the American League Central despite winning two of three against the division-leading Detroit Tigers during the week. The White Sox had a rare power surge in the series, outscoring the Tigers 22-15. Chicago enters the set against Philadelphia with a 2-5 record on its 10-game road trip.
TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, CSN (Chicago, Philadelphia)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH John Danks (2-6, 4.31 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jonathan Pettibone (5-3, 3.84)
Danks suffered his fourth loss in five outings despite yielding three runs over seven innings in a 3-1 setback to Tampa Bay on Sunday. The 28-year-old has struggled mightily away from home, posting an 0-5 mark with a gaudy 6.43 ERA while allowing batters to hit .310 against him. Danks has faced the Phillies once in his career, yielding two runs in 4 2/3 innings before settling for a no-decision.
Pettibone has won his last two trips to the mound, allowing one run and matching a season high with six strikeouts in both contests. The 22-year-old owns a 3-1 mark with a 2.45 ERA at home this year. Pettibone has permitted just one homer in his last four turns.
WALK-OFFS
1. Philadelphia CF Ben Revere went 2-for-4 on Thursday to extend his hitting streak to nine games.
2. Chicago SS Alexei Ramirez exited Thursday's game with a cramp in his right leg. Ramirez has not missed a contest this season.
3. The White Sox have won six of their last 20 road contests.
PREDICTION: White Sox 5, Phillies 3