Chicago @ Philadelphia preview
Citizens Bank Park
Last Meeting ( Jul 13, 2013 ) Chi. White Sox 5, Philadelphia 4
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: 8:15 p.m. ET, CSN (Chicago, Philadelphia)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Hector Santiago (3-5, 3.49 ERA) vs. Phillies LH John Lannan (2-3, 4.23)
Santiago is coming off a no-decision against the Chicago Cubs on Monday in which he allowed two runs over 5 1/3 innings. The 25-year-old has gone 2-1 in six outings since returning to the starting rotation. Santiago, who is 2-3 with a 2.98 ERA in 14 games on the road this season, will be facing the Phillies for the first time in his career.
Lannan has won two of his last three starts, including a triumph over Washington on Monday in which he scattered four hits over eight scoreless innings. The 28-year-old has kept the ball in the park this season, allowing just two home runs in eight starts, and has issued only 12 walks in 44 2/3 frames. Lannan lost his only career meeting with the White Sox, surrendering five runs and 11 hits over four innings on June 20, 2010 while with Washington.
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: Phillies 4, White Sox 1