The Tampa Bay Rays and the host Chicago White Sox enter their three-game series on Friday occupying last place in their respective divisions. However, the teams have contrasting outlooks. The Rays have a .500 record, own 10 more wins than the struggling White Sox, and trail the AL East leaders by just four games. In contrast, the White Sox have scored a meager 56 runs while losing 22 of their first 25 games, the worst start in franchise history. They have matched the worst 25-game opening by any team since the wild-card era began in 1995. Tampa Bay comes into the series after a 7-5 victory against the visiting Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, where rookie Curtis Mead delivered a go-ahead, two-run home run in the sixth inning. Mead expressed his relief at getting his first extra-base hit of the year and hopes it will lead to more success. The White Sox, on the other hand, are still searching for a spark, returning home for a six-game homestand after a winless seven-game road trip. Chicago loaded the bases with the winning run at the plate in the ninth inning on Thursday, but they lost 6-3 to the Twins when Andrew Vaughn grounded out to end the game. White Sox pitcher Michael Soroka believes the team needs to play complete games to turn things around. Tampa Bay’s Zach Eflin (1-2, 3.68 ERA) will take the mound against the White Sox. The right-hander has pitched at least six scoreless innings in his last two starts. Chris Flexen (0-3, 6.41 ERA) is set to start for Chicago as he returns to the rotation. Flexen moved to the bullpen after three disappointing starts to begin the season, but he tossed four shutout innings at Philadelphia on April 19 and pitched 2 1/3 innings of one-run relief against Minnesota on Monday.
Tampa Bay Rays Face Last-Place Chicago White Sox in Three-Game Series
