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White Sox, Cubs Meet in Crosstown Classic Opener

5/16/2026

33 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The White Sox host the Cubs Friday at Guaranteed Rate Field for the 2026 Crosstown Classic opener.
The White Sox are one game back in the AL Central and on a winning streak.
Both clubs are above .500, not seen since June 2008 (excluding 2020).
The Cubs rank fourth in runs (220) and 10th in ERA (3.77).
The White Sox rank 15th in runs (189) and 18th in ERA (4.22).

History

Historical Context

In 1906 the White Sox, a 93-win “Hitless Wonders,” upset the Cubs’ record-setting 116-win season in baseball’s first crosstown World Series. After more than nine decades without meetings, interleague play began in 1997, spawning the BP Crosstown Cup in 2010. The 2026 opener at Guaranteed Rate Field marks the first time both clubs have entered a series above .500 since June 2008, reviving a Chicago rivalry.

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Story summary

The White Sox host the Cubs Friday at Guaranteed Rate Field for the 2026 Crosstown Classic opener.
The White Sox are one game back in the AL Central and on a winning streak.
Both clubs are above .500, not seen since June 2008 (excluding 2020).
The Cubs rank fourth in runs (220) and 10th in ERA (3.77).
The White Sox rank 15th in runs (189) and 18th in ERA (4.22).

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