The Chicago White Sox return to Guaranteed Rate Field on Thursday, September 10, for a 7:40 PM ET first pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Hagen Smith gets the ball for Chicago against Pittsburgh's Jared Jones in a late-season regular season matchup with playoff positioning implications for both clubs still to be sorted out. This is a game the South Side faithful will want to watch, with two young arms squaring off and a White Sox lineup that has some intriguing pieces top to bottom.

Starting Pitchers: Hagen Smith vs. Jared Jones

Hagen Smith draws the start for the White Sox. The left-hander is one of the more closely watched arms in Chicago's rotation, and this is a prime opportunity to make a statement late in the regular season against a Pirates squad that has its own aspirations. Smith will need to command the strike zone and keep Pittsburgh's hitters off balance if Chicago wants to grab the early advantage in this series.

Jared Jones takes the hill for Pittsburgh. Jones has been a significant piece of the Pirates' pitching plans, and he brings enough velocity and movement to keep any lineup honest. The White Sox hitters will need to be disciplined and look to work counts against him early.

White Sox Lineup to Watch

• Sam Antonacci (LF, leadoff) — Sets the table at the top of the order. His ability to get on base is critical to putting pressure on Jones from the jump.
• Munetaka Murakami (1B) — Batting third, the Japanese slugger is one of the most powerful bats in this lineup and a constant threat to change the game with one swing.
• Andrew Benintendi (DH) — Slotted fourth, the veteran presence anchors the heart of this order and is exactly the kind of professional hitter you want in a run-producing spot.
• Colson Montgomery (SS) — Batting fifth, the highly regarded prospect has a chance to show what he can do against a quality arm like Jones.
• Braden Montgomery (RF) — Another young player in the mix, batting sixth and looking to contribute in the middle of a lineup that blends youth and experience.

Keys to the Game

• Smith's command early: If Smith can establish himself in the first two innings and limit traffic on the bases, the White Sox defense can do its job and keep this a low-scoring, winnable game.
• Making Jones work: Pittsburgh's starter has the stuff to be dominant on a given night. Chicago needs to grind at-bats, run up his pitch count, and get into the Pittsburgh bullpen as early as possible.
• Murakami's power against right-handed pitching: Murakami batting third against a right-handed pitcher like Jones is a matchup worth monitoring. One mistake pitch could be the difference.
• Montgomery brothers delivering: Both Colson and Braden Montgomery in the same lineup gives this team an intriguing look. Production from both of them would be a statement for where this rebuild stands.

Prediction

This is a game where pitching and early offense will dictate the outcome. Smith has the tools to be sharp on a September Thursday night in front of the home crowd at Guaranteed Rate Field, and if Murakami does damage against Jones, the White Sox offense can back him up. Expect a tight ballgame. Edge: White Sox 4, Pirates 2.

Catch the action on Chicago Sports Network or listen on ESPN Chicago WMVP 1000 AM. First pitch is 7:40 PM ET.