The Astros kicked off their series Monday night against the White Sox with a win, but Tuesday night was a different story. Now they face the White Sox again for the third game of the four-game series, and Wednesday night is the time to regain control.
The Astros are now barely above .500, with the Rangers just one game back.
Chicago White Sox @ Houston Astros 7:10 PM CT | Daikin Park
Chicago enters at 73-65, while Houston sits at 70-69, still holding onto the top spot in the AL West.
Hayden Wesneski (4-1, 3.86 ERA, 28 SO) takes the mound for Houston. He's been better than expected since returning in late July, and his last outing was one of his best since coming back, limiting the Yankees to just 1 run on 3 hits over 5 innings in a 5-1 win. If he can channel that performance Wednesday night, the Astros should be in good hands. As usual, it's crucial that Wesneski gives the Astros length tonight, too. The pitching staff is stretched thin as it is, and it can't handle any more wear and tear right now.
Davis Martin (9-6, 4.32 ERA, 111 SO) takes the mound for the White Sox, and it's a notable one, this is his return from the injured list after a blister issue on his throwing hand. Martin was excellent for Chicago through his first 13 starts (2.41 ERA), before a rough stretch. He looked sharp in his rehab outing, so it's worth watching whether that early-season form is back.
It was a dominant performance for the White Sox Tuesday night, and the Astros just didn't do much. Between Cam Smith and Isaac Paredes, there was a small blip of excitement for Astros fans, but that was it. The White Sox evened out the series, and now the Astros need a strong comeback to regain control. With the Rangers just one game back, it is crucial the Astros do not drop this series.
That being said, the White Sox are a better team on paper, and Tuesday night they were a better team on the field too.
The Astros have the talent, and behind a strong pitching performance, they have a real shot. A win tonight would go a long way, but Chicago isn't going to make it easy.
