The Texas Rangers (17-27, 5th AL West) play their second game of a four-game series on Friday in the Windy City against the Chicago White Sox (10-29, 5th AL Central).
The Rangers defeated the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday 5-1. Starter Bartolo Colon was hit in the stomach by a line drive but laughed it off saying he had plenty of protection. Colon allowed just four hits across 7 2/3 innings scoreless innings helping the Rangers snap a three-game losing streak.
Chicago continues to lose. On Wednesday, the Chisox lost for the second straight time to Pittsburgh 3-2 and have now lost eight straight to Pittsburgh and this season are losers of nine of their last 10. Yolmer Sanchez and Leury Garcia each hit home runs for the White Sox in a losing cause.
Nomar Mazara leads the Rangers with a .279 batting average and a team high 46 hits. Joey Gallo is the team leader in home runs with 13 and RBIs with 27. Texas has a team batting average of .230, while opposing hitters are averaging .272 at the plate against Rangers pitching. On Friday, Texas will send Doug Fister to the mound. The right-hander this season is 1-4, with an ERA of 4.06, 29 Ks and 15 BBs.
Yolmer Sanchez leads the White Sox with a .294 batting average. Matt Davidson is the team leader in home runs with 11 and RBIs with 24. Chicago has a team batting average of .241 while opposing hitters are averaging .265 at the plate against White Sox pitching. On Friday, Chicago will send Carson Fulmer to the mound. The right-hander on the season is 2-3 with an ERA of 6.23, 27 Ks and 19 BBs.
