Red Sox Face Struggling White Sox in Four-Game Showdown

BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox return to Fenway Park on Friday night to host the Chicago White Sox in the opening game of a four-game series at 7:10 p.m. The matchup marks the beginning of a significant homestand for the Red Sox, culminating in the annual Patriots Day game on Monday at 11:10 a.m.

After a mixed 3-3 road trip that featured two games against the Tampa Bay Rays and two against the White Sox, the Red Sox will look to rebound against a struggling Chicago team. The White Sox have won only four of their first 18 games this season, entering the weekend on a four-game losing streak.

The Red Sox dropped their first two games against the White Sox earlier this season but managed to win three of their next four on the road. Meanwhile, the White Sox were swept by the Oakland Athletics, yielding 23 runs while scoring only four.

Boston is set to start rookie right-hander Hunter Dobbins, who earned a victory in his major league debut against the St. Louis Cardinals on April 6. Dobbins allowed two runs on eight hits and struck out five over five innings in that appearance. He brings a 1-0 record and a 3.60 ERA into this start.

“We’re excited to see what Hunter can do in front of our fans,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “He showed promise in his debut, and we’re hoping he can build on that.”

The White Sox will counter with left-handed veteran Martín Pérez, who has a career record of 5-3 and a 4.55 ERA in 12 appearances against the Red Sox. Pérez brings a 1-0 record with a paltry 1.59 ERA this season.

Here’s how the lineups look:

WHITE SOX (4-14): Meidroth SS, Benintendi LF, Sosa 3B, Palacios RF, Vaughn 1B, Maton DH, Thaiss C, Baldwin 2B, Taylor CF
Pitching: LHP Martín Pérez (1-0, 1.59 ERA)

RED SOX (10-10): Duran LF, Devers DH, Bregman 3B, Story SS, Gonzalez 1B, Refsnyder RF, Campbell 2B, Narváez C, Rafaela CF
Pitching: RHP Hunter Dobbins (1-0, 3.60 ERA)

The game will be broadcast on NESN and WEEI-FM 93.7. The Red Sox have struggled defensively early this season, leading the majors with 20 errors. However, they entered this series having played errorless baseball in their last two games, both victories against the Rays.

In a notable development, Alex Bregman is expected to return to Boston’s lineup after a brief paternity leave following the birth of his son, Bennett Matthew Bregman. Bregman currently boasts a .321 batting average with four home runs and 16 RBIs in 19 games.

“It’s great to have Alex back in the lineup,” Cora said. “He brings a lot of experience and leadership to our team.”

For the White Sox, finding consistency has been a challenge this season. Their lineup, featuring former Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi, will need to generate offense against Dobbins to regain their footing in the series.

As the teams prepare for the showdown at Fenway Park, the tension builds—can the Red Sox continue their upward trajectory, or will the White Sox snap their losing streak? Only time will tell as these two American League teams meet for what is sure to be an exciting contest.