clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

White Sox Vs. Cubs Preview: Chicago Kicks Off First Crosstown Series Of 2012

The Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox are meeting up this weekend for the first crosstown series between the two teams during the 2012 season.

April 19, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) throws in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE
April 19, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) throws in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

The Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox are meeting up this weekend for the first crosstown series between the two teams during the 2012 season. Always an exciting event for baseball fans around the city, the White Sox will be traveling north to Wrigley Field on Friday to kick off the series with an afternoon game at the friendly confines.

Jeff Samardzija is making his eighth start of the season as he tries to sustain the surprising success that he's had early in the season as a starting pitcher. The former reliever has a 2.89 ERA with 45 strikeouts and 14 walks over 43.2 innings during his first seven outings.

For the Pale Hose, right-hander Phil Humber is taking the mound on Thursday afternoon. The White Sox haven't won a game with Humber making the start since his perfect game against Seattle on April 21, but he pitched quite well in his most recent appearance. On May 13, Humber gave up one run on four hits over 6.2 innings while striking out seven against the Kansas City Royals.

It's also worth keeping an eye on left field during the series, as the White Sox will be playing designated hitter Adam Dunn there as both teams follow National League rules. Dunn hasn't played left field since 2009.

Game Date & Time: 1:20 p.m. CST, Friday, May 18, 2012.

Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Ill.

TV: WGN

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of the White Sox, head over to South Side Sox, and for the Cubs, check out Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more news, notes and analysis from around baseball, visit Baseball Nation.