Game #39: White Sox at Athletics

Trying to salvage one win in this series, Scott Kazmir takes on Jeff Samardzija.

Important things to consider about today's game:

• Jeff Samardzija didn't choose to be part of the Cubs trade package that eventually landed him on the South Side and part of the Kansas City brawl in April and a five-game suspension.
• Samardzija's return start on May 12th was not the most successful, receiving a no-decision and giving up 7 runs (5 of them earned) in just six inning against the Brewers.
• Samardzija is 2-2 with a 4.80 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 45 innings pitched.
• Scott Kazmir continues to rely heavily on his four-seam fastball, throwing it 46% of the time with his change and cutter his next two reliable pitches.  He is one with a nice repertoire also throwing an occasional slider but rarely a curve.
• We should see some significant ground ball outs today as Kazmir's worm-killing cutter is utilized about every 10-11 pitches.