The Chicago White Sox return to Rate Field on Wednesday, September 9 to host the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 7:40 PM ET first pitch. Davis Martin gets the ball for the Sox against Pittsburgh's Lake Bachar in what shapes up as a matchup between two pitchers working through the final weeks of a long regular season grind. For a White Sox club looking to close out September with something to show for it, every home game under the lights matters — and Wednesday night gives them a chance to take care of business in front of their own crowd.
Starting Pitchers: Davis Martin vs. Lake Bachar
Davis Martin draws the start for Chicago. The right-hander has been part of the White Sox rotation this season, giving the club innings as they work through what has been a developmental stretch for their pitching staff. Martin's ability to keep the ball in the zone and limit hard contact will be the key factor in how deep he can go into this one.
Opposing him is Lake Bachar for Pittsburgh. Bachar has worked his way into Pittsburgh's rotation picture this season, and the White Sox will need to get a read on him early. First-time or limited matchups against starters can cut both ways — unfamiliarity works against hitters, but it also means scouting reports have less to work with.
Keys to Watch in Wednesday's Game
- Martin's command: If Martin can get ahead in counts and avoid deep counts, the White Sox bullpen gets more rest heading into the final stretch of the season. Walks will hurt him against a Pittsburgh lineup that can work at-bats.
- Early offense against Bachar: The Sox need to test Bachar in the first couple of innings. Getting him on pitch count early opens the door to the Pittsburgh bullpen, which is where games like this can be won.
- Rate Field atmosphere: September home games carry real weight for a roster that is building toward the future. Playing in front of the home crowd at Rate Field gives younger players a chance to make a statement in front of Chicago fans.
- Bullpen management: With the regular season winding down, how both managers deploy their relievers in close situations will shape the back half of this game. Watch for the first sign of trouble to trigger early moves.
How to Watch and Listen
Wednesday's game broadcasts on Chicago Sports Network on television and ESPN Chicago WMVP 1000 AM on radio for Sox fans. Pittsburgh-side coverage is on SportsNet Pittsburgh and Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan. Spanish-language listeners can tune in to 107.9 La Ley.
Prediction
This is the kind of September midweek game where starting pitching sets the tone and bullpens decide the outcome. Martin needs to give the White Sox five or six innings of competitive baseball and let the offense find Bachar's tendencies. The Sox have the home-field edge and the motivation that comes with playing out the string in front of their own fans. Call it a narrow Chicago win, 4-3, if Martin can navigate the middle innings and the lineup does enough damage early to give the bullpen something to protect.
