After taking Saturday off, the ALDS is back at it today with both series shifting cities. In the afternoon game, the defending AL champions look to regain momentum in their series with Boston after the Red Sox crushed them 14-6 in Game 2. In the nightcap, we have the Chicago White Sox fighting for their postseason life after dropping each of the first two games of the series to the Astros in Houston.
Tampa Bay Rays at Boston Red Sox – Game 3 (Tied 1-1)
After Boston laid it on heavy in Game 2, taking a split back to Boston, the Red Sox turn to Nathan Eovaldi, who beat the Yankees in the AL Wild Card game last Tuesday night. Eovaldi struck out eight Yankees in 5.1 innings of one-run ball en route to a victory and a berth in the ALDS.
Tampa Bay turns to Drew Rasmussen as they look to regain a series lead and home-field advantage this afternoon. Ken Rosenthal wrote a cool story about Rasmussen, the late Tampa Bay scout, Paul Kirsch, and their relationship. It’s definitely a must-read before first pitch today.
This is a story about relationships. It is centered around the Rays’ Game 3 starter, Drew Rasmussen, and the scout who first recommended him, the late Paul Kirsch. But it involves so much more. https://t.co/cJhpvofr1y
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 10, 2021
Broadcast Info
First Pitch: 3:07 PM (CT)
TV: FS1
Radio: ESPN 1000
Starting Pitching Matchup
Drew Rasmussen (RHP) – 2021: 4-1, 2.84 ERA – 2021 Postseason: NONE
vs.
Nathan Eovaldi (RHP) – 2021: 11-9, 3.75 ERA – 2021 Postseason: 5.1 IP, 1-0, 1.69 ERA, 8 K, 0.75 WHIP
Starting Lineups
Tampa Bay Rays
1. Brandon Lowe 2B
2. Wander Franco SS
3. Austin Meadows LF
4. Nelson Cruz DH
5. Ji-Man Choi 1B
6. Randy Arozarena RF
7. Kevin Kiermaier CF
8. Mike Zunino C
9. Joey Wendle 3B
Boston Red Sox
1. Kyle Schwarber 1B
2. Enrique Hernandez CF
3. Radael Devers 3B
4. Xander Bogaerts SS
5. Alex Verdugo LF
6. J.D. Martinez DH
7. Hunter Renfroe RF
8. Kevin Plawecki C
9. Christian Arroyo 2B
Houston Astros at Chicago White Sox – Game 3 (HOU leads 2-0)
It’s win or go home for the White Sox tonight as the Houston Astros look to finish off a three-game sweep of the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field. Dylan Cease will take the ball for the White Sox as they look to extend their season at least one more game in the first home playoff game for the White Sox since 2008.
Dusty Baker will send Luis Garcia to the mound to oppose the White Sox. Garcia’s road splits are favorable for the White Sox as the rookie posted a 2.39 ERA in 13 starts at Minute Maid Park in Houston compared to a 4.24 ERA in 15 road starts. Opponents have a .609 OPS against him at home and a .753 OPS on the road. The White Sox were 53-28 at home this season, and they’ll have to win two more at home if they hope to return to Houston for a decisive Game 5 on Wednesday.
𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗜𝗡 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗞. pic.twitter.com/nmSxmGVnYf
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) October 10, 2021
Broadcast Info
First Pitch: 7:07 PM (CT)
TV: FS1
Radio: ESPN 1000
Starting Pitching Matchup
Luis Garcia (RHP) – 2021: 11-8, 3.30 ERA – 2021 Postseason: NONE
vs.
Dylan Cease (RHP) – 2021: 13-7, 3.91 ERA – 2021 Postseason: NONE
Starting Lineups
Lineups for the White Sox-Astros were not available at the time of publishing, but we will update this story with the lineups as soon as they’re released.
Houston Astros
TBA
Chicago White Sox
TBA