The Texas Rangers continue their road trip on Friday night as they open up a three-game set in Chicago against the White Sox. Texas began their road trip winning six straight - sweeping Seattle and taking the first three of a four game set in Los Angeles - before losing to the Angels last night via a walk off homer from Mark Trumbo. Still, the Rangers have opened up a six game lead in the AL West, with just 37 games left on the 2011 schedule.
Matt Harrison starts for the Rangers on Friday night, looking for his 11th win of the season. Harrison failed to escape the sixth inning in his latest start, lasting just 5.1 innings while giving up six runs (four earned) against the A's. Harrison's numbers are still very good on the season, though, as he's taking a 1.27 WHIP, 3.19 ERA and .254 BAA into Friday's action against the White Sox.
Former Cy Young winner Jake Peavy will start for the White Sox, as they try to inch closer to first place in the AL Central. Currently, the White Sox sit four games behind the first place Tigers and are four games behind the second place Indians in the loss column.
Peavy has been inconsistent this season, but has pitched much better in the second half of the season. Since the All-Star Break, Peavy is 1-2 with a 3.74 ERA with 27 strikeouts against just four walks in 33.2 innings. On the year, Peavy's WHIP sits at 1.23.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 from US Cellular Field.