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Kyle Hendricks takes the mound in Crosstown Classic opener

Right-hander, Kyle Hendricks will take the mound for Joe Maddon and the third-place Chicago Cubs as they begin their annual Crosstown Classic against the last-place White Sox this weekend.

The Cubs (46-38) are looking to redeem themselves after missing out on the opportunity to claiming their first series win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday after reliever Pedro Strop gave up the game-winning two-run blast to All-Star shortstop, Jhonny Peralta in the ninth inning.

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Hendricks (4-4, 3.82 ERA) has turned in two stellar outings that resulted in wins in games against the New York Mets and Miami Marlins. The 25-year-old hurler worked 13 1/3 scoreless frames, holding both teams to eight hits while posting a 12/2 K/BB ratio.

It was the third time this season he’s worked a scoreless game, the first coming on May 10 when the Cubs traveled up to Milwaukee to visit the now last-place Brewers.

Starting opposite tonight will be another rookie, former 1st round draft pick, Carlos Rodon. Rodon (3-2, 4.18 ERA) made his big league debut on April 21 and didn’t pick up his first start until May 9 with the Cincinnati Reds on the South Side of Chicago.

The middle of June proved to be a little rocky for Rondon when he surrendered seven earned runs on nine hits in a brief 3 2/3 appearance on the road against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite picking up the loss, the 22-year-old southpaw held the Orioles to four runs (three earned) with a 7/4 K/BB ratio through five innings.

Both starting pitchers are going to have their hands full with each lineup. It’ll be the first time rookies Addison Russell and Kris Bryant take part in this rivalry in which the White Sox (39-44) own the 10-4-4 upper hand.

First pitch is slated for 3:05 p.m. central time and will air live on CSN, WBBM 780.

Here’s this afternoon’s starting lineup’s for both clubs:

Next: Cubs Beginning To Show Their Grit

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