Washington Nationals (12-16) at Chicago White Sox (11-16) | Rate Field | 1:10 PM CT
The Chicago White Sox (11–16 after losing 6–3 in 10 innings yesterday) host the Washington Nationals (12–16 after winning yesterday) for the series finale at Rate Field. We lost in extras yesterday after winning Friday. Series is tied 1-1. Sean Burke starts for us against Foster Griffin (3-0, 3.38 ERA).
This is the series finale—can we bounce back and win the rubber match at home?
White Sox Season: 11-16 After Extra-Inning Loss
Record: 11-16 (Five Games Under .500, Series Tied 1-1)
After losing 99 games last year, we’re 11–16 and five games under .500. We won the first two games of the homestand (beat Nationals 5–4 Friday, then won THREE STRAIGHT overall), but LOST 6–3 in 10 innings yesterday. Series is tied 1-1.
Yesterday’s Loss (6–3, 10 Innings):
- Lost 6–3 after going to extras
- Nasim Nunez: 4 RBIs for Nationals (2 in the 10th)
- Couldn’t hold on in extra innings
- Series tied 1-1 after winning opener
Series vs Nationals:
- Game 1 (Friday): Won 5–4 (Murakami homer)
- Game 2 (Saturday): Lost 6–3 in 10 innings
- Game 3 (Today): Rubber match at home
Key Players:
- Munetaka Murakami: 11 home runs, 20 RBIs
- Still leading the team in power
- Need him to produce in rubber match
Sean Burke Starting:
- Gets the ball in the series finale
- Trying to win rubber match at home
- Facing Griffin who is 3-0
We’re 11–16 and five games under .500. Win today and we take the series at home.
Washington Nationals: 12-16 After Winning in Extras
The Nationals are 12–16 after beating us 6–3 in 10 innings yesterday. They’re trying to win the series.
Nationals After Yesterday:
- Won 6–3 in 10 innings
- Nasim Nunez: 4 RBIs (including 2 in 10th)
- Series tied 1-1, trying to win it today
Foster Griffin Starting:
- 3-0, 3.38 ERA (perfect record)
- Only allowed 10 earned runs in 26.2 innings
- But has given up 5 home runs
Nationals Strengths:
- 12-16 record (four games under .500)
- 3rd in MLB in runs per game (5.50)
- 33 home runs, 29 stolen bases
- Offense can score runs
What They’re Facing:
- Murakami with 11 homers
- White Sox power (33 HRs, 7th in MLB)
- Series tied 1-1, rubber match
The Nationals score runs (3rd in MLB) but Griffin has given up 5 homers. We have power.
Key Matchups at Rate Field
Sean Burke vs Nationals Lineup
Burke gets the ball in the rubber match. The Nationals score 5.50 runs per game (3rd in MLB). Keep them down.
Munetaka Murakami (11 HRs) vs Foster Griffin
Murakami has 11 homers. Griffin has given up 5 homers this year. Can Murakami go deep?
White Sox Power (33 HRs, 7th in MLB) vs Griffin
We have the 7th-most home runs in baseball. Griffin has given up 5 homers. Attack him.
Rubber Match at Home
Series tied 1-1. Winner takes the series. Sunday afternoon at Rate Field.
What the White Sox Need in the Series Finale
Sean Burke Gives Us Quality Innings
The Nationals score runs (5.50 per game, 3rd in MLB). Burke needs to keep them down.
Munetaka Murakami Stays Hot
Eleven homers, 20 RBIs. Griffin has given up 5 homers. Go deep in the rubber match.
Power Surge at Home
33 home runs (7th in MLB). Griffin is vulnerable to the long ball. Hit some bombs.
Win the Rubber Match
Series tied 1-1. Win today and we WIN THE SERIES at home.
White Sox Fan Prediction: We Win the Rubber Match
Final Score: White Sox 5, Nationals 4
Sean Burke battles—6 innings, 4 runs. The Nationals score but Burke keeps us in it.
Munetaka Murakami hits another homer (his 12th). We score 5 runs against Griffin.
The Nationals score 4 but it’s not enough. We win the rubber match at home.
One-run win. We’re 12–16. We WIN THE SERIES 2-1 at home after splitting the first two.
Why the Series Finale Matters
We’re 11–16 after losing in extras yesterday. The Nationals are 12–16 after winning. Series is tied 1-1.
Win today and we’re 12–16 with a SERIES WIN at home. Griffin is 3-0 but has given up 5 homers.
Can Burke keep them down? Will Murakami hit his 12th homer? Can we win the rubber match?
After losing 99 games last year, winning a series at home would be a positive step forward.
Go Sox. Win the rubber match and take the series at home.
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