August hasn't been kind to David Hernandez. In his first 7 starts, Hernandez pitched to a 3.20 ERA with 4 HR, 23 K and 15 BB. He averaged just over 6 innings/start and opponents had a .708 OPS against him. In his four starts since August 1st, Hernandez has a 6.52 ERA (14 ER in 19.1 innings) and is averaging just less than 5 innings. He's struck out 12 and walked 11 and given up 8 HR while opponents put up a 1.141 OPS. White Sox hitters have yet to face Hernandez so hopefully that will give him an edge.
John Danks is having another fine year for the White Sox, pitching to a 3.96 ERA (ERA+ of 118). He's pitched a few clunkers this year but generally keeps his team in the game. He's faced the Orioles 5 times in his career with a 4.71 ERA with 14 K, 7 BB, and 4 HR. Two of those starts came this year. In the first, Danks pitched 7 innings, holding the O's to 4 H and 1 R (a HR by Luke Scott). In the second, he pitched just 5 innings but still only allowed 1 run.
The O's go for their third straight win tonight. Let's do it!