Chicago Cubs vs Chicago White Sox Picks and Predictions June 5th 2024

Cubs Aim to Secure Elusive Series Win Against Struggling White Sox

In a thrilling opener of the Crosstown Classic, the Chicago Cubs overcame a five-run deficit to defeat the Chicago White Sox, extending the White Sox’s losing streak to 12 games. As the teams prepare for the series finale, the Cubs aim to clinch their first series win since mid-May, while the White Sox are determined to avoid tying a historic losing streak.

The White Sox’s Struggles

The White Sox’s latest loss marks their 12th straight defeat and 16th loss in their last 17 games. This downturn places them at risk of matching their second-longest losing streak in team history—13 games set in 1924. The franchise’s longest losing streak is 15 games, which occurred during the 1967-68 seasons.
Pitching Matchup

Erick Fedde for the White Sox:

Record: 4-1
ERA: 3.12
Career Stats vs. Cubs: 0-0, 5.56 ERA in two starts
Previous Wrigley Field Appearance: No-decision in 2017 with the Nationals, allowing four runs on eight hits over 5 1/3 innings.

Jameson Taillon for the Cubs:

Record: 3-2
ERA: 2.84
Recent Performance: Aims to lead the Cubs to their first series win since early May.

Tuesday Night’s Dramatic Opener

The White Sox seemed poised to end their losing streak, jumping to a 5-0 lead by the fourth inning, with significant contributions from Korey Lee’s two-run double and Lenyn Sosa’s two-run homer. However, a 42-minute rain delay shifted the momentum, allowing the Cubs to regroup.

Cubs’ Comeback

Fifth Inning: Dansby Swanson’s RBI double cut the deficit to 5-1.

Sixth Inning: Christopher Morel and pinch-hitter Patrick Wisdom hit two-run homers, tying the game at 5-5.

Seventh Inning: Despite a 448-foot homer from Luis Robert Jr. putting the White Sox back in the lead, the Cubs responded in the eighth with Ian Happ’s game-winning double, driving in Cody Bellinger and Morel.
Post-Game Reactions

Ian Happ:

“The energy here is always fantastic, and (with) the White Sox here in town, a lot of fun. That was a great game.”

Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager:

“It was a good ballgame with a lot of back and forth. We had some big hits, and we needed some big hits. It was a fun night really. To score late-inning runs like that makes for a fun game.”

Pedro Grifol, White Sox Manager:

“This one obviously got away from us. Our guys really battled out there. Great environment. We’ve got to close these things out. We really do.”

Conclusion

The series finale presents a critical juncture for both teams. The Cubs seek to capitalize on their recent momentum and secure a series victory, while the White Sox hope to avoid a historic skid. With intriguing pitching matchups and the potential for another dramatic game, fans can expect a thrilling conclusion to the Crosstown Classic series.