The White Sox are in a fierce battle with the Minnesota Twins for the AL Wild Card. There’s also Boston, LA Angels and Toronto, but they are further down and time is running out. Today, the White Sox seemingly get a break as they face the worst team in the league—Kansas City. They Royals are a paltry 49-86. However, they have managed to upset some teams—like Boston and Oakland—along the way. It’s almost win or go home time.

The Chicago White Sox are only 5-5 over their last 10 games. The Royals are 4-6 and they are the worst team in baseball. The White Sox need to step it up. Jose Contreras is taking the mound tonight and he’s a solid workhorse for the White Sox. Contreras is 11-6 with a 4.25 ERA this season. It’s not all roses. This once automatic pitcher has been struggling of late. Since July 4th, Contreras has gone 2-6 with a 5.77 ERA—not good. One of those loses was on August 16 to these same Kansas City Royals.

The Royals are sending Runelvys Hernandez to the hill. He’s 4-8 with a 6.67 ERA. His last outing was nothing less than ace-like. Hernandez shutout Toronto over 7 hits and beat Roy Halladay. Will tonight be a repeat performance? History says it’s not likely. Hernandez is 1-4 with a beefy 8.31 ERA at home verses the White Sox. All signs point to a blowout in this one. Of course, the Royals have been known to surprise now and again. The White Sox are an above average favorite at -170. There’s obviously a little caution built into the line.