Baltimore Orioles vs Chi. White Sox White Sox Picks and Predictions September 2nd 2024

Orioles Open Set Against Historically Awful White Sox

As the customary season enters its last a month, the Baltimore Orioles are situated with a lot on the line, while the Chicago White Sox keep on spiraling in a generally frightful season. The two groups will meet Monday evening to start off a three-game series at Camden Yards, denoting the beginning of a six-game homestand for the Orioles.

Orioles Looking for Consistency

The Orioles (79-59) are falling off a 6-1 triumph over the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, which permitted them to complete a 3-3 excursion with an optimistic outlook. Notwithstanding, Baltimore’s new stretch has been everything except unprecedented, as the group has battled to track down consistency. Chief Brandon Hyde recognized the difficulties of the recent months however stays confident that his group can find the flash expected to make a late-season push.

“We’ve been grinding for a couple months and it’s not been easy and every game seems difficult,” Hyde said. “We’re winning some close ones. We’re losing some close ones. I’d like to try to find some consistency. It’s hard right now, but we’re just looking for some spark to kind of get it going to get on a little bit of a run.”

Baltimore sits just a half-game behind the first-place New York Yankees in the American League East, making this series against the White Sox an opportunity to gain ground in the division. With 24 games remaining, the Orioles know they need to take care of their business to secure a playoff spot.

“This is what you train for all offseason,” said Orioles catcher James McCann. “This is what you plan for all season long is this month — the last 30 days of the season, competing for a division title and competition for a playoff spot.”

White Sox Enduring Historic Struggles

The White Sox (31-107) are mired in one of the worst seasons in franchise history, having set a new single-season record for losses with their 107th defeat on Sunday. Chicago has lost 10 consecutive games, including being shut out 2-0 by the New York Mets in their last outing, which capped an 0-10 homestand.

Interim manager Grady Sizemore is focused on day-to-day improvement, but the team’s prospects remain bleak as they embark on a six-game road trip starting in Baltimore.

“There’s no sense in harping over the record right now,” Sizemore said. “We’re trying to just improve upon every day and get better as each series goes on.”

The White Sox have already been swept by the Orioles this season, dropping four games at home in late May. Now, they head to Baltimore hoping to avoid further embarrassment.

Pitching Matchup: Burnes vs. Flexen

The Orioles will send All-Star right-hander Corbin Burnes (12-7, 3.23 ERA) to the mound in the series opener. Burnes has struggled recently, going 0-3 over his past four starts with a 7.40 ERA during that span. However, facing the White Sox might be just what he needs to get back on track. Burnes is 1-0 with a 4.64 ERA in four career appearances against Chicago, including three starts.

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On the opposite side, the White Sox will counter with right-hander Chris Flexen (2-13, 5.29 ERA), who is amidst a generally terrible streak himself. The White Sox have lost every one of Flexen’s beyond 20 excursions, and he is 0-10 with a 5.66 ERA over that range. Flexen keep going confronted the Orioles on May 24, when he surrendered four sudden spikes in demand for five hits in 4 2/3 innings, taking a no-choice.

Series Outlook

With the Orioles competing for a division title and the White Sox amidst a generally terrible season, this series presents a conspicuous difference in group directions. Baltimore will hope to exploit Chicago’s battles to make strides in the AL East, while the White Sox will attempt to rescue some nobility as they play out the string. The Orioles’ new irregularity makes this series even more significant, as they plan to get comfortable with themselves before the postseason.