If you watch today on WGN and tomorrow on CSN you'll hear the hick.
Friday, June 20 1:20 PM CT
John Danks, LHP (4-4, 2.90) vs Ted Lilly, LHP (7-5, 4.76)
Scouting Report:
White Sox: Danks admittedly had command issues Saturday night against the Rockies, but he didn't surrender any runs in six innings. He allowed runners to reach third base in four of those innings, but managed to strand them each time. It's a problem he said he would work on fixing after the game. In the meantime, though, Danks' ERA fell to 2.90 and he hasn't lost a start since May 24. Danks has never faced the Cubs in his career, but is 0-1 with a 5.31 ERA in four Interleague starts.
Cubs: Although Lilly struggled with command during his last start, the left-hander was able to defeat the Blue Jays in what was one of his
best outings of the year. While he did walk a season-high five batters, the left-hander allowed no runs on just one hit over six innings. It was the only start
this year where Lilly has not given up a run. As well, the starter has shown signs of improvement lately. Over his last three starts, Lilly has now posted a
2.25 ERA. During that span, he has allowed just five runs on 12 hits over a total of 20 innings. He has struck out 21 batters in that time.
Jose Contreras, RHP (6-5, 3.24) vs Jason Marquis, RHP (5-3, 4.24)
Scouting Report:
White Sox: Contreras looked sharper Sunday than he did in his six-run outing against the Tigers, but it still wasn't good enough to get the win. He threw 6 2/3 innings against the Rockies, allowing four runs -- three earned -- and striking out only three. He was pulled from the game after Brad Hawpe homered to break the 3-3 tie. It's the first time he's lost back-to-back starts this season. He faced the Cubs once last year, surrendering two runs on 10 hits, earning him the loss. He's 8-5 in 18 career Interleague starts.
Cubs: Facing the Blue Jays in his last start, Marquis dominated the Toronto hitters for most of his seven-plus innings. He allowed just one
run on four hits while striking out one and walking two. As well, the seven innings tossed by Marquis matched his longest outing this season. Over his last
three starts, Marquis is 3-0 with a 1.96 ERA. In his 10 starts before that, however, the pitcher was inconsistent, going 2-3 with a 4.98 ERA. In three career
starts against the White Sox, the right-hander is 1-1 with a 10.06 ERA.
Javier Vazquez, RHP (7-5, 4.13) vs Ryan Dempster, RHP (8-2, 2.76)
Scouting Report:
White Sox: Vazquez struggled in his third consecutive outing Tuesday night, against the Pirates. He gave up five runs in six innings and struck out only three. But the performance was good enough to pick up the win, and manager Ozzie Guillen was pleased to see his ace get through six innings on a bad night. Vazquez has allowed 14 runs in his last three starts but is 2-1 in that stretch, having gotten plenty of help from his offense. Vazquez has started three games against the Cubs but has never factored in the decision. He owns a 4.95 ERA against the crosstown rivals but has struck out 23 against just two walks.
Cubs: Dempster will be happy to be home. He did not get a decision in his last start against Tampa Bay and remains winless on the road.
However, he's 8-0 with a 3.13 ERA at Wrigley Field. Against the Rays, he gave up one run on six hits over five innings and had to be pulled when his pitch
count got high. He did strike out six, but threw 107 pitches in the five innings.
