Gamethread: Twins at White Sox

The South Siders look to close out the series with win No. 3 and stay atop the American League

Hot take: The Chicago White Sox are playing the most exciting baseball they have played since the World Series season — no offense to any other White Sox teams in the last decade and a half, but last night’s win really solidified it for many fans. After the 9-5 comeback win over the Minnesota Twins, it’s clear the magic is there. Even Jason Benetti agrees ... or he just loves a good card trick.

This team is powerful, and with the return of Eloy Jiménez and Luis Robert, expect a “Hulk”-like team.

The White Sox look to avoid a series tie against Minnesota with a win in the finale. Chicago currently sits atop the American League at 58-37, and the Twins are sunk, at 40-55. With the Twins doing so well last year and so poorly this year, it’s hard to know if they are going to sell at the trade deadline. If they do sell, please send Nelson Cruz somewhere where he can’t smoke one off of the Sox pitching staff.

Dylan Cease gets the nod for the White Sox today. He is coming off of a loss to Houston, going 5 ²⁄₃ innings pitched and giving up six hits and three runs against 10 Ks. His last start against the Twins came in early July. He took the loss in that game as well, with 5 ¹⁄₃ innings , six runs, six hits, with eight strikeouts. On the season, Cease is 7-5, with a 4.15 ERA, and 127 strikeouts. Let’s hope Cease brings his A-game today. The White Sox have a chance to move to a 10 ¹⁄₂ -game lead over Cleveland.

Tony La Russa’s lineup tonight packs a punch. Tim Anderson leads it off, Jake Burger is in the DH spot, and center fielder Billy Hamilton closes it out in the No. 9 hole. José Abreu hits third; Abreu has hit safely in eight of his last nine games, batting .364/.475/.848 (12-of-33) with five doubles, three home runs and 12 RBIs.

Here’s who Tony has in the lineup today:

Minnesota throws Miguel Pineda on the bump. He is 3-5, with a 4.11 ERA and 55 strikeouts. He has dealt with injuries this year and has large gaps between his starts. His last start was in early July against the White Sox: 5 ¹⁄₃ innings, 12 hits, five runs, and four strikeouts.

Minnesota’s lineup looks like this:

The game starts at 7:10 p.m. CST. NBCSCH will have coverage, along with ESPN 1000. MLB.TV will have the game for its subscribers.

So sit back, relax, and let’s watch the White Sox do some magic!