Series Preview: Indians vs. White Sox

Not only did the Indians fail to take two of three from the Tigers, they were swept. Detroit may have landed a crippling blow to the Indians hopes of post-season baseball, as they now sit a full ten games out after that sweep, coupled with a series opening loss to the White Sox. This series is about a moral victory for both of these two clubs with second place on the line, and Chicago took one step closer to sealing earning it.

My apologies for missing the first game, I thought there was an off day Thursday.

September 8-11, 2011

U.S. Cellular Field

Scouting Report

• Cleveland – The Indians have all but been eliminated from playoff contention, but they can continue to exceed expectations this season. A second place finish in the American League Central should certainly count as a successful season for the Tribe. However, the Indians are reeling right now. Currently on a four-game losing streak, the Indians will need to rebound against division foe Chicago in the final two games of the series to have a better sight on second place. They are also in danger of falling two games below the .500 mark for the first time since opening the season 0-2. Ironically, those two losses came against the White Sox. The Indians have struggled mightily this year against the White Sox, and after this weekends series, still have four more games against Chicago.

• Chicago – The White Sox took control of second place in the Central at the misfortune of the Indians. They will look to separate themselves from the Tribe this weekend with a pivotal four-game set that could pit either team with a firm hold on second place in the division. The Sox still have a chance at a division crown, but it will be tough to unseat Detroit. They have their work cut out for them, as they will meet Detroit for their final series of the season with the Tigers on Monday. The White Sox will be without the versatile Brent Lillibridge for the remainder of the season after he suffered a broken hand when hit by a pitch from rookie Josh Judy in the seventh Thursday.

Pitching Match-ups

Game 2 – Jeanmar Gomez vs. Mark Buehrle

• Jeanmar Gomez  2-2, 4.11 ERA

Gomez earned a victory for the second straight start after yielding just one run in 5 1/3 innings Friday against the Royals. He has a 0.79 ERA over his past two starts.

• Mark Buehrle  11-7, 3.34 ERA

Buehrle had one of his worst starts of the season at a most inopportune time, as he got knocked out after 3 1/3 innings during an 18-2 loss to the Tigers Sunday night. It was just Buehrle’s second setback since the All-Star break.

Game 3 – Fausto Carmona vs. Philip Humber

• Fausto Carmona  6-14, 5.18 ERA

Carmona lasted just 1 1/3 innings Tuesday against Detroit, the shortest outing of any Indians starter this season. The right-hander surrendered seven runs and eight hits. He has a 9.88 ERA over his past three starts.

• Philip Humber  9-8, 3.45 ERA

In his first start since going on the disabled list after being hit above his right eye with a line drive, Humber was impressive against the Twins, throwing seven scoreless innings and giving up six hits with six strikeouts in a 2-1 victory.

Game 4 – Ubaldo Jimenez vs. Zach Stewart

• Ubaldo Jimenez  2-2, 5.27 ERA

Jimenez made just one mistake Monday against the Tigers, but it proved costly. The right-hander served up a three-run homer to Victor Martinez, one of two hits Jimenez allowed in seven strong innings of the Tribe’s 4-2 loss.

• Zach Stewart  2-2, 4.42 ERA

Coming within one hit of perfection, Stewart delivered a masterful performance in his last start. In just his eighth career start, the right-hander retired the first 21 batters he faced and 27 of 28 on the night in a 4-0 victory over the Twins.

Lineups

Cleveland

1. RF Kosuke Fukudome
2. 2B Jason Donald
3. SS Asdrubal Cabrera
4. 1B Carlos Santana
5. DH Shelly Duncan
6. 3B Lonnie Chisenhall
7.    C Lou Marson
8. LF Trevor Crowe
9. CF Ezequiel Carrera

Chicago

1. LF Juan Pierre
2. SS Alexei Ramirez
3. 1B Paul Konerko
4. DH A.J. Pierzynski
5. RF Dayan Viciedo
6. CF Alejandro De Aza
7.    C Tyler Flowers
8. 3B Brent Morel
9. 2B Gordon Beckham