Chi. White Sox White Sox vs Kansas City Royals Picks and Predictions July 29th 2024

White Sox Aim to End Losing Streak Against Royals

The Chicago White Sox are set to face the Kansas City Royals in a crucial three-game series, desperate to end their 14-game losing streak and find some momentum.

Chicago, IL – The Chicago White Sox are in desperate need of a turnaround as they host the Kansas City Royals in a three-game series starting Monday night. The White Sox, currently on a 14-game losing streak, are tied for a franchise record and sit at a disappointing 27-81 for the season. Their latest loss was against the Seattle Mariners, where even All-Star left-hander Garrett Crochet couldn’t stop the skid, giving up six hits and five runs over three innings.

Despite his efforts, Crochet’s ERA remains a respectable 3.23, highlighting his resilience amid the team’s struggles. Manager Pedro Grifol praised Crochet’s hard work and commitment, dispelling any trade rumors surrounding him.

Chris Flexen Faces a Tough Challenge

Chris Flexen will take the mound for the White Sox, hoping to improve his season record of 2-10 and a 5.25 ERA. His recent outing saw him allow three runs in 4 2/3 innings in a 10-2 loss to the Texas Rangers. Flexen has faced the Royals five times in his career, holding a 2-2 record with a 4.38 ERA. However, his last encounter with them was rough, allowing seven runs.

Royals Eye Wild-Card Spot

The Kansas City Royals, with a 9-1 record against the White Sox this season, aim to extend their dominance. They are also in the hunt for an American League wild-card spot, currently holding a slight lead over the Boston Red Sox. Alec Marsh, with a 7-7 record and a 4.75 ERA, will start for the Royals. Marsh’s last game saw him give up five runs in a loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, but he has shown potential, particularly against the White Sox.

Key Players to Watch

The Royals will rely heavily on shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., a strong contender for the AL MVP award, and outfielder Hunter Renfroe, who has been hitting .299 since mid-May. Renfroe credits his recent success to a mechanical adjustment, focusing on keeping his hands steady in the launch position, which has significantly boosted his performance.

White Sox’s Season at a Critical Juncture

The White Sox’s current .250 winning percentage puts them on par with the 1962 New York Mets, who hold the record for the most losses in a season with 120. With a run differential of minus-218, the worst in the majors, Chicago faces a pivotal moment in their season. Their performance in this series could not only break their losing streak but also set the tone for the rest of the season.

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Conclusion

As the White Sox and Royals go head-to-head, both teams have much at stake. The White Sox are desperate for a win to end their historic losing streak, while the Royals are looking to solidify their position in the wild-card race. This series will be a crucial test of resilience and strategy for both teams.