Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga turned to look over his left shoulder at the video board showing the replay of the home run he just had given up in the fourth inning Friday. In a game the Cubs would go on to lose 12-5 to the White Sox, it was the third homer Imanaga had yielded, all on fastballs that caught too much of the strike zone.

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The Cubs ’ lineup had a bit of a different look Friday against White Sox right-hander Adrian Houser, who is in the midst of the best season of his career. Switch-hitting Vidal Brujan got the start at third base over Matt Shaw, and left-handed-hitting Reese McGuire started behind the plate.

Recording a season-high 18 hits in a win over their crosstown rival Chicago Cubs, the White Sox lead MLB with 61 runs since the All-Star break.

Preview the July 26 matchup between the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.

Relievers Mike Vasil, Tyler Alexander and Dan Altavilla discussed how personal adjustments and being a tight-knit group has helped the White Sox bullpen become a strength of late.

Since the White Sox won the last game on August 15, 2023, the Cubs have beat them eight straight games. There was one win in 2023, then the Cubs won all four in August of 2024. Earlier this season, the Cubs swept the White Sox, outscoring them 26-8.