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Through June 26, 2009, a 5-4 Cubs win over the White Sox at the Cell, the Cubs led the all-time regular-season series 35-34. Not only that, but the two teams were almost even in all-time runs scored after that game: 344 for the White Sox, 341 for the Cubs. It was about as even as you could get.
Perhaps not coincidentally, that was the day that [name redacted] had a blowup with then-manager Lou Piniella and was sent home during the game.
Since that date, the White Sox have dominated the series, winning 14 of 18 (five by shutout) and have outscored the Cubs 72-41 in those 18 games.
With the White Sox in first place and having a solid season and the Cubs... not, I wouldn't expect this series to be any different. Since the Cubs/Sox interleague matchup went to six games a year in 1999, neither team has won more than four of the six games in any one season.
I do expect that to change. The Sox could sweep this series. There, I said it.
Such are the 2012 Cubs. Try to enjoy anyway.
Cubs lineup:
DeJesus CF, Castro SS, LaHair RF, Soriano DH, Clevenger 1B, Barney 2B, Valbuena 3B, Soto C, Campana LF
Well, that's interesting. Bryan LaHair in right field? Steve Clevenger at first base?
White Sox lineup:
De Aza CF, Beckham 2B, Dunn DH, Konerko 1B, Rios RF, Pierzynski C, Viciedo LF, Ramirez, SS Hudson 3B
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Matt Garza missed the White Sox series at Wrigley in May, so the last time he faced them was July 2, 2011, when he threw a four-hit, one-run complete game and lost 1-0. Paul Konerko is the White Sox hitter who has done best vs. Garza: 6-for-12, two walks, two doubles, two home runs.
Zach Stewart threw an inning of relief against the Cubs on May 19 at Wrigley Field. It was not his finest hour -- both Joe Mather and Alfonso Soriano hit two-run homers off him. It's his only career appearance against the Cubs. Last year, Stewart made eight starts for the White Sox including a one-hit shutout of the Twins.
Today's game is on WCIU. It's also on CSN Chicago with the White Sox announcers.
Here is the complete MLB.com Mediacenter for today.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Please visit our SB Nation White Sox site South Side Sox. The usual caution is advised.
Today's first pitch thread will post at 7:10 p.m. CDT and the overflows at 8:10, 9:10 and 9:55 p.m. CDT. If you need more overflows due to extra innings or rain delays, post them in the fanshot section.
Discuss amongst yourselves.