Heavy public money has pushed this total to 9.
Game Overview
The crosstown series concludes with the Cubs and White Sox each looking to claim bragging rights in this rubber match. The White Sox exploded for 12 runs in Friday's opener before the Cubs responded with a decisive 6-1 victory Saturday behind Cade Horton's dominant performance. The Cubs have taken 4 of 5 from the Sox this season and hold a 76-75 all-time series edge heading into today's finale. The White Sox have been MLB's hottest offense since the All-Star break (61 runs in 7 games) until Saturday's cooling off, while the Cubs are fighting to reclaim the NL Central lead they recently lost to Milwaukee.
Key Matchups & Analysis
- Struggling Starters Facing Heavy Pressure
Cubs' Ben Brown (4-7, 6.48 ERA) has been hit hard lately, allowing 14 runs in his last 9 innings. Meanwhile, White Sox rookie Grant Taylor (0-1, 3.93 ERA) makes just his third MLB start and will likely be limited to 3-4 innings as an opener before giving way to Sean Burke. - Cubs' Power Stroke Returning
Ian Happ and Matt Shaw both homered Saturday after the Cubs were shut out through six innings. Shaw is particularly hot, hitting .478 (11-for-23) with 4 homers since the All-Star break, providing much-needed protection for Kyle Tucker in the lineup. - Bullpen Contrast Favors Cubs
The Cubs bullpen ranks 8th in MLB with a 3.78 ERA and features elite specialists in Brad Keller (15 holds) and Ryan Pressly (5 saves). The White Sox relief corps showed cracks Saturday when Jordan Leasure and Dan Altavilla combined to allow 6 runs, pushing their team bullpen ERA to 4.42 (22nd in MLB). - Luis Robert's Absence
The White Sox center fielder has missed two straight games with adductor soreness and remains questionable for today. His recent hot streak (.375 over 9 games) had been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season, and his absence removes a key power threat from the lineup.