Chicago @ Chicago preview
Wrigley Field
Last Meeting ( Jun 22, 2011 ) Chi. Cubs 3, Chi. White Sox 4
THE STORY: Coming off two dramatic wins, the Chicago Cubs will vie for their first three-game winning streak of 2011 when they host the cross-town White Sox on Friday afternoon. The Cubs notched walk-off wins against the San Francisco Giants on both Wednesday and Thursday, but the White Sox are rallied for a pair of victories at the Colorado Rockies. The White Sox lead the all-time series 43-38, including taking two of three at home 10 days ago.
TV: 2:20 p.m., WGN, CSN
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Randy Wells (1-2, 6.25 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Edwin Jackson (4-6, 4.13 ERA)
Wells still doesn’t look recovered from the forearm strain that sidelined him early this season. His velocity is down and he’s given up 10 earned runs, 15 hits and six walks in his last two starts.
The White Sox have lost Jackson’s last five starts, but he’s coming off his best outing with seven scoreless innings against the Washington Nationals. Jackson has fanned 16 and walked two in his last two starts. Alfonso Soriano is 4-for-9 with a homer, double and three RBIs in his career against Jackson.
ABOUT THE CUBS (34-48): Reliever Kerry Wood expects to come off the disabled list for this series. He’s been out with a blister on his right index finger. The bullpen was the biggest reason for Thursday’s 5-2 win as six relievers combined to allow one run after starter Carlos Zambrano left with back soreness. Aramis Ramirez has six RBIs over his last five games, including the game-tying, ninth-inning homer off Giants closer Brian Wilson on Thursday.
ABOUT THE WHITE SOX (40-42): The White Sox have won 18 of their last 19 interleague series. Sergio Santos has 17 saves in 19 opportunities after closing out Thursday’s 6-4 victory in 10 innings. Offensively it’s been a struggle, with Paul Konerko serving as one of the only bright spots. He leads the team in batting (.321), homers (21), RBIs (61), on-base percentage (.393) and slugging percentage (.577) this season.
FINAL PITCH: Cubs outfielder Marlon Byrd is likely to rejoin the team on Monday in Washington. He suffered facial fractures when he was beaned May 21 by Boston Red Sox hurler Alfredo Aceves. The Cubs are just 19-24 at home.