Justin Masterson tries to follow up a dominating Opening Day performance this evening when the Cleveland Indians conclude what is now a two-game series with the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field.
Tuesday's contest was postponed due to inclement weather. No makeup game was announced, but the Indians relished the extra day off following a pair of extra-inning contests in their opening series.
"For our guys," Indians manager Manny Acta said, "just based on that first series that we had, I guess it would be OK to have one more day off."
Masterson, meanwhile, was masterful against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday, allowing just a run and two hits over eight innings. He also struck out 10 and left with the lead, but did not factor in the decision, as closer Chris Perez gave up three runs in the ninth before the Tribe lost 7-4 in 16 innings.
"He did everything you want in an ace," Perez said of Masterson. "He dominated them, obviously. Two hits in eight innings with 10 strikeouts. I mean, that's awesome. I don't even think he had his best stuff today and he still did that. So, yeah, it feels twice as bad."
Masterson has faced the White Sox 14 times (10 starts) and is 3-4 against them with a 2.09 ERA.
Chicago, meanwhile, will counter with lefty John Danks, who once again takes a crack at his first win. Danks was charged with the loss on Opening Day against the Texas Rangers, as he allowed three runs and six hits in six innings. He also struck out six and did not walk a batter.
Danks has struggled in his career against the Indians, posting a 3-7 mark to go along with a 4.79 ERA in 13 starts.
Chicago won the opener of this set on Monday, as Chris Sale picked up a victory in his first big league starts, tossing 6 2/3 strong innings in a 4-2 triumph.
Sale (1-0) gave up just one run on three hits while striking out five and walking two in his first career start. He threw 60 of his 100 pitches for strikes.
"I was a bit nervous," Sale said. "But I tried to channel that towards pitching. I tried not to be scared of pitching, but motivated,"
Hector Santiago gave up a run in the ninth, but still collected his second save of the season. The run was the only one the White Sox bullpen has surrendered in 9 2/3 innings this season.
Josh Tomlin (0-1) was tagged with the loss after giving up four runs on seven hits while striking out seven and walking one in five full frames.
Chicago was 11-7 versus the Indians last season.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.