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The Reds battle the White Sox with the MLB Playoffs in sight

ByScott Boyken|
GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 23: Shogo Akiyama #4 of the Cincinnati Reds dives back to first base as Jose Abreu #76 of the Chicago White Sox attempts to apply the tag. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 23: Shogo Akiyama #4 of the Cincinnati Reds dives back to first base as Jose Abreu #76 of the Chicago White Sox attempts to apply the tag. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
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Manager Rick Renteria #17 of the Chicago White Sox makes a pitching change during the game against the Cincinnati Reds.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 09: Manager Rick Renteria #17 of the Chicago White Sox makes a pitching change during the game against the Cincinnati Reds. (Photo by Ron Vesely/Getty Images)

Whether it’s hitting or pitching, the White Sox have been dominant.

Entering the 2020 season, the Chicago White Sox (33-17) had high expectations despite playing in a top-heavy American League Central where the Minnesota Twins were coming off a 100-win season, and a very competitive Cleveland Indians club is never easy to dispatch.

Nevertheless, the White Sox have exceeded those lofty expectations and roll into Great American Ball Park with the best record on the junior circuit and are winners of eight of their last 10 contests.

Reds Country, don’t expect Sox fans to shed any tears about the Redlegs playoff drought. When the White Sox take the field this postseason, it will be their first appearance in the playoffs since the 2008 season. There’s no secret sauce to the South Siders success. They simply dominate in all phases of the game.

Entering play Thursday, the White Sox offense leads the American League with a .272 average and slugging with a .468 mark. Additionally, they are second in the league with a .334 OBP. Next, the Sox hit for power as well. Their 81 round-trippers trail only the New York Yankees and their 82 doubles are good enough for fifth in the AL. Needless to say, the Reds pitching staff has a tall order ahead of them this weekend.

However, the Reds offense will be tested just as thoroughly as the pitching staff. White Sox hurlers are second in the junior circuit with a 3.46 ERA and have allowed a league-low 48 homers on the season. For an offense that relies on the home run as heavily as Cincinnati does to score runs, this weekend will test Reds Country’s patience.

Don’t overlook Chicago’s defense either. Their 27 defensive runs saved above-average mark is tied with the Indians for the best in the American League. The 42 double plays the defense has turned ranks fifth among AL defensive units and is well above the league average of 37 twin killings. No matter the phase of the game, the White Sox are one of the most complete teams in the game.

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