Chicago @ Tampa Bay preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 11, 2018 ) Tampa Bay 1, Chi. White Sox 2

A return to Tropicana Field provided a much-needed boost for the Tampa Bay Rays, who will resume their nine-game homestand on Friday night when they host the Chicago White Sox in the opener of a three-game series. The Rays got back on track at home, rebounding from a horrific beating by majors-worst Baltimore to post a three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels.

C.J. Cron ignited a four-run inning with a two-run single, giving him 17 RBIs in his last 19 games, in Thursday's 4-2 victory - Tampa Bay's 20th win in 24 home games since June 11, the best mark in baseball during that span. Newly acquired outfielder Tommy Pham had to exit the game after he was struck on the foot by a pitch, but X-rays were negative and he's listed as day-to-day with a bruise. Chicago needed some late heroics to avoid a three-game sweep by visiting Kansas City, getting a tying homer from Jose Abreu in the eighth before Daniel Palka delivered a pinch-hit, three-run blast. The series against the Rays marks the only three away from home in a 15-game stretch for the White Sox, who have the second-fewest road wins in the majors with 17.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (7-8, 6.26 ERA) vs. Rays RH Ryne Stanek (1-3, 2.36)

Giolito was in the midst of his best stretch of pitching this season but that came to a halt Saturday when he was roughed up by Toronto for five runs on nine hits over 4 1/3 innings. The 24-year-old had turned in quality starts in each of his previous three turns, giving up five runs and 10 hits over 19 2/3 innings. Giolito struck out a career-best 10 to beat the Rays last year with seven innings of one-run ball.

Stanek will serve as the "opener" once again, a role that he has thrived in with an 0-2 mark and 2.28 ERA in 16 starts. He has permitted runs in only four of his 26 appearances dating to June 2, posting an 0-2 mark with a 1.67 ERA during that span. Like the Rays, Stanek has been sensational at Tropicana Field, making 19 appearances and sporting no record with a 0.42 ERA and a .160 batting average against.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rays LH Blake Snell is expected to come off the disabled list to start Saturday's matchup.

2. Abreu hit his 141st home run Thursday to move into sole possession of 10th place on the franchise's career list.

3. Rays 2B Joey Wendle has hit safely in six consecutive games.

PREDICTION: Rays 7, White Sox 3