White Sox at Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles gave their fans a rare treat by erupting for four homers en route to recording their second home win of the season. The Orioles will host the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday vying for their first series victory since winning both sets to begin their season-opening six-game road trip.
Dwight Smith Jr. belted a three-run homer in Tuesday's 9-1 romp, marking the fifth time he's gone deep in 2019 after entering the season with two HRs in his career. Renato Nunez homered for the fourth time this homestand and Chris Davis also went deep to improve to 9-for-23 since ending his pronounced hitless streak. While Baltimore enjoyed a laugher after getting outscored 102-50 during its 1-10 mark in its first 11 home games, Chicago was limited to just Tim Anderson's RBI single in the sixth inning before falling for the fourth time in six contests. Veteran right-hander Ervin Santana will look to get the White Sox back on track when he bids for his 150th career victory and first with his new team since signing as a free agent in February.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Ervin Santana (0-1, 10.38 ERA) vs. Orioles LH John Means (2-2, 1.72)
Santana saw his last start postponed by inclement weather and should be rested after allowing three runs on six hits in five innings of a no-decision versus Kansas City on April 15. The 36-year-old Dominican has been hemorrhaging home runs, however, surrendering three in 3 2/3 innings of a 10-5 setback against Tampa Bay on April 9 before being taken deep twice versus the Royals. Santana, who owns a 5-5 mark with a 4.44 ERA in 16 career starts against Baltimore, has flustered Davis (5-for-31, 12 strikeouts).
Means will receive his third start of the season after picking up the win following a four-strikeout performance over two scoreless innings of relief at Tampa Bay on Thursday. "Means is going to make a lot of starts," Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said of the 25-year-old rookie. "It's something we're going to play with because I do like John in the rotation. He's pitching really well and deserves to stay in the rotation." Means pitched well in his last start, permitting one run on four hits in five innings of a 4-0 setback at Boston on April 14.
WALK-OFFS
1. Chicago 3B Yoan Moncada has three homers, five RBIs and seven runs scored while hitting safely in eight of his last nine games.
2. Baltimore has kept the ball in the park in two of its last three games after surrendering at least one homer in 21 of its first 22.
3. White Sox 1B Jose Abreu is 7-for-18 with one homer, seven RBIs and three runs scored during his four-game hitting streak.