Gamethread: White Sox at Athletics

Happy Thursday, and happy afternoon baseball. The Chicago White Sox (80-59) play the Oakland Athletics (75-64) in the finale of this three-game set, as they look to win a road series for the first time since early August. Last night was a game that we would like to forget, and today is a fresh start.

Here is a little bit of a throwback to look back on, too.

It’s Reynaldo López day! Who would have thought going into this season I would be excited to say that in September. López has been solid ever since he being called up from Charlotte, and has filled bullpen and starting roles very well. With the injuries to Lance Lynn and Lucas Giolito, López knows that he has a role to fill as a starter. His 3-1 record, 2.08 ERA, and 0.72 WHIP has been outstanding. His last outing against the Kansas City Royals was short, as he went four innings with three hits and three runs, but he is looking to bounce back today against a good Athletics team that is trying their hardest to clinch a postseason spot.

Lefty Sean Manaea will pitch for the A’s today, as he looks for his ninth win of the season. He has a 3.91 ERA and 1.22 WHIP. Manaea had a dominant month of July, as he was named Player of the Month. Since then, he has slowed down a bit. His last outing was spectacular against the Toronto Blue Jays, where he went seven innings while allowing just five hits, two runs, and striking out nine. Manaea only focuses on three pitches, a sinker, changeup, and curveball. We will see how he matches up against a team that usually favors lefties today.

Happy birthday to Billy Hamilton! For your big and exciting present, you get to play in ... the Oakland Coliseum.

Happy birthday to Jason Benetti as well! For your big and exciting present you get to call a game at ... the Oakland Coliseum.

All jokes aside, these two men have been incredibly important to this organization, so here is to another year of doing what they love and having fun while doing it.

Things look a little different today, as we have César Hernández leading it off followed by Luis Robert and José Abreu. Yasmani Grandal will DH today, as Andrew Vaughn looks to get out of his slump, and what better way to do it against a lefty. Romy González will start after his first career hit last night, as Yoán Moncada gets the day off. Hamilton will play left field for his birthday, while Danny Mendick and Seby Zavala close it out.

No more late-night games, as today will start at 2:37 p.m. CT on NBCSCHI. Listen in at ESPN 1000 if you are busy this afternoon, and let’s try to win the series!