Game Thread: Nationals (12-16) at White Sox (11-16)

TL;DR

The Nationals face the White Sox in a rubber match today, with first pitch at 1:15 p.m. CT. Sean Burke will pitch for the Sox against Washington's lefty-heavy lineup, featuring Foster Griffin.

Key points

Nationals play White Sox in a rubber match today.
Sean Burke is the starting pitcher for the White Sox.
Foster Griffin has a 3.38 ERA for the Nationals.

White SoxNationalsSean BurkeFoster Griffin

Sean Burke has a history of success working as a bulk reliever. | Matt Marton-Imagn Images While yesterday’s extra-inning loss was certainly disappointing, it left little doubt in my mind that this is indeed a different Sox team than the moribund group we’ve become accustomed to over the last few years. Noah Schultz dominated, and while the power surges of Colson Montgomery and Munetaka Murakami have slowed down a bit, other mid-level hitters like Miguel Vargas and Chase Meidroth were there to pick up the slack. The White Sox now have hitters that as a fan you actually *want* at the plate in a big situation. Despite an early deficit, they mounted a comeback and fought until the end. Not super-used to that one! Call it “Ricky’s Boys Don’t Quit: Will’s Version,” and they still have a chance to make it three series wins in a row if they can pull out this rubber match against Washington. Sean Burke will go to the mound as the Sox primary pitcher today, with Bryan Hudson — who has been an excellent and unheralded addition to a bullpen that’s been starved for good lefty options — serving as the opener against Washington’s lefty-heavy lineup, which looks like this today: View Link Righthander Foster Griffin has made a strong return Stateside after a three-year hiatus in Japan, where he ran a 2.57 ERA over three seasons in the dead-ball NPB. He’s won three of his first five starts with Washington without taking a loss, working to a 3.38 ERA over 26 2/3 innings. Here’s the lineup that counters with: Even by the standards of the post-2021 White Sox, that’s a getaway day lineup if I’ve ever seen one. Perhaps they spent too much time out on the town with C.J. Abrams last night. Either way, first pitch is scheduled for at 1:15 p.m. CT, live from Rate Field in Armour Square. If you want to join us, broadcasts are available on CHSN (TV) and WMVP AM 1000 (radio) like always!

Q&A

What time does the Nationals vs. White Sox game start?

The game starts at 1:15 p.m. CT.

Who is pitching for the White Sox against the Nationals?

Sean Burke is the primary pitcher for the White Sox.

What is Foster Griffin's performance like this season for the Nationals?

Foster Griffin has a 3.38 ERA and has won three of his first five starts this season.