CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago White Sox are set to clash with the Chicago Cubs this Friday evening at Rate Field, marking the start of this year’s exciting crosstown showdown.
The eagerly anticipated matchup sees the Southsiders take on their Northside rivals, igniting a classic city rivalry.
Fans arrived in high spirits, enjoying perfect weather conditions, a fitting backdrop as both teams have recently enjoyed success on the field.
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Although the game is on the White Sox’s home turf, the stands were awash with the vibrant hues of Cubbie blue. Jerseys from both sides were prominently displayed, and some attendees even showcased divided loyalties within families and friend groups.
Adding to the fervor is the strong performance both teams have shown this season. The Cubs currently lead the National League Central, boasting the second-best record in the league, while the White Sox trail just one game behind the top spot in the American League Central, propelled by a five-game winning streak.
This marks the first time since June 2008, excluding the 2020 pandemic-affected season, that both teams enter the Crosstown Classic with records above .500. This level of competition hasn’t been seen since the George W. Bush era.
Fans couldn’t be happier.
“It’s a electrifying, yes,” White Sox fan Zane Parks said. “I think people are excited to see both teams going at each other this year, and we’re just all here to have fun and root our team on.”
“It’s awesome for the city. It’s great,” Cubs fan Mario Coix said. “It brings the family together, community and so forth, and it’s a great time to be out with the family and enjoy the game.”
“I think you have All-Stars on both sides,” White Sox fan Bobby Parks said. “They have Pete Crow. It’s just going to be an electric game. You’re going to see some really good players going at it today, first time in a long time.”
“For me, I know it’s exciting, because I’ve come with him to Sox games, and it’s been empty, so the atmosphere has been kind of dull,” Cubs fan Alex Avila said. “But I feel like today, it’s going to be great. It’s going to be exciting. It’s going to be electric. Both teams are doing well.”
The Cubs have dominated the Crosstown Classic in recent years, but the Sox arguably are the hotter team right now. So, the next three days should be fun.
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