Yasmani Grandal’s two-run double highlighted a six-run fifth inning for the White Sox in a 7-3 exhibition win over the Cubs at a spectatorless Wrigley Field. After Kyle Hendricks held the South Siders in check on three hits for four innings, they knocked out seven hits in the fifth. Ross Detwiler got the win in relief after stiking out four over two innings. Jason Kipnis belted a solo home run for the Cubs. The cross-town rivals move to Guranteed Rate Field for an exhibition tonight. The North Siders send Yu Darvish to mound to face Dallas Keuchel.
Anthony Rizzo is optimistic he will be ready for Opening Day on Friday. The Cubs’ first baseman is dealing with a nagging back issue. He went through a full workout before the Cubs’ exhibition against the White Sox last night without any restrictions or setbacks. Rizzo has been sidelined by lower-back tightness since July 7th.
After playing last night at Wrigley Field, the Cubs and White Sox move to Guranteed Rate Field on the southside of Chicago for another exhibition game tonight. The North Siders send Yu Darvish to mound to face Dallas Keuchel of the Sox, who defeated the Cubs 7-3 in their first preseason game last night. Things gets started for real on Friday night for both ballclubs as the Cubs open their shortened 60-game 2020 regular season at home against the Milwaukee Brewers. You can hear it on your home for Chicago Cub baseball, AM 1330/FM 94.1 WRAM with the pregame show starting at 5:35.
Lucas Giolito will be the Opening Day starter for the White Sox on Friday. Manager Rick Renteria announced yesterday that the right-hander will face the Twins at Guaranteed Rate Field to begin the 60-game shortened season. Giolito is coming off a breakout season in 2019, posting a 14-and-9 record with a 3.41 ERA with 228 strikeouts. He was an American League All-Star and finished tied for sixth in the AL Cy Young Award voting.
