Chi. White Sox vs Colorado Rockies Picks and Predictions June 30th 2024

White Sox Seek Sweep of Rockies in Battle of Struggling Teams

The Chicago White Sox are on the verge of a rare sweep as they face off against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday. Both teams have had a rough season, making this clash a showdown between two of the league’s underperformers. Let’s dive into the key factors and players that could shape the outcome of this series finale.

White Sox’s Recent Performance

Opportunity for a Sweep

The White Sox, currently holding the worst record in the majors at 24-61, are looking to clinch their second series sweep of the season. A win on Sunday would mark their first four-game winning streak since early May. Their only previous sweep was against Tampa Bay from April 26-28.

Pitching Strength

Chicago’s recent success has been fueled by strong pitching. Rookie Drew Thorpe led the team to a 5-3 win on Friday, allowing just two runs over six innings. On Saturday, fellow rookie Jonathan Cannon pitched 5 2/3 solid innings in an 11-3 victory, showcasing the potential of the White Sox’s young pitchers.

Offensive Highlights

The White Sox offense erupted on Saturday, scoring a season-high 11 runs. Paul DeJong, with his team-leading 15th home run, was a key contributor, while Lenyn Sosa, Luis Robert Jr., and Korey Lee also went deep. This offensive burst has given the team a much-needed confidence boost.

Garrett Crochet’s Dominance

Left-hander Garrett Crochet will take the mound for the White Sox on Sunday. Crochet, boasting a 6-6 record and a 3.05 ERA, is making a strong case for his first All-Star appearance. He has struck out 130 batters this season, second only to the Dodgers’ Tyler Glasnow. This will be Crochet’s first career start against the Rockies.

Rockies’ Struggles

A Season to Forget

The Colorado Rockies are having a tough season with a 27-55 record, the worst in the National League. They’ve lost their last five games and seven of their last eight. Their pitching staff has given up a league-worst 455 earned runs, highlighting their struggles on the mound.

Pitching Woes

Starter Cal Quantrill allowed five earned runs over 5 1/3 innings on Saturday, and the bullpen couldn’t stop the bleeding, giving up six more runs in the bottom of the eighth. Colorado’s pitching has been a major weak point, making it hard to secure wins.

Offensive Inconsistency

Despite early home runs from Brendan Rodgers and Nolan Jones on Saturday, the Rockies’ offense has been inconsistent. They managed just three runs before the White Sox answered with 11 unanswered runs. Over their five-game skid, the Rockies are averaging only two runs per game on 4.4 hits.

Kyle Freeland’s Return

Left-hander Kyle Freeland will start for the Rockies on Sunday. Recently back from the 60-day injured list, Freeland delivered a strong performance last Sunday, throwing a one-hitter over six innings against the Washington Nationals, though he earned a no-decision in a 2-1 loss. In three career starts against the White Sox, Freeland is 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA.

Key Players to Watch

Paul DeJong

Paul DeJong has been a bright spot for the White Sox, leading the team with 15 home runs. His recent offensive surge will be crucial in maintaining the team’s momentum.

Garrett Crochet

Garrett Crochet’s dominant pitching has been a cornerstone of the White Sox’s recent success. His ability to strike out batters and control the game from the mound will be vital in the series finale.

Kyle Freeland

For the Rockies, Kyle Freeland’s performance will be key. Coming off a strong outing after his return from injury, Freeland’s ability to keep the White Sox offense in check will determine Colorado’s chances of avoiding a sweep.

Conclusion

The Chicago White Sox are poised to sweep the Colorado Rockies, potentially extending their winning streak to four games. Strong pitching, timely hitting, and solid team performances have been the key to their recent success. As the Rockies continue to struggle, the series finale promises to be an intriguing matchup. Both teams will be eager to end on a high note, making Sunday’s game a critical battle in an otherwise challenging season for both clubs.