Chicago @ Cleveland preview
Progressive Field
Last Meeting ( May 24, 2010 ) Chi. White Sox 7, Cleveland 2
Jake Peavy challenged his teammates by saying it was time that the Chicago White Sox started winning series and beating the teams they were expected to beat. The Cleveland Indians seemed like a great starting point.
Now Peavy can deliver that series victory himself.
Chicago’s ace is looking to win his fourth game of the month Tuesday as he continues to try and turn his season around. Peavy is 3-1 with a 3.68 ERA during May, and that includes a pounding in his last start against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, when Peavy allowed six runs in six innings.
This will mark his third start already this season against Cleveland. He has yet to record a decision, but has a nifty 3.65 ERA against the Indians.
The White Sox begin the day six games under .500 and seven behind the division-leading Minnesota Twins. They have yet to win a series on the road this year, but can change that with a victory on Tuesday.
Peavy will be opposed by Mitch Talbot, who pitched a complete game against the White Sox at home on April 16. He allowed six hits and two runs - one earned - for his first major league victory in what has been a surprisingly successful rookie season.
The Indians haven’t had much go right this year, but Talbot and his 3.88 ERA is one of the few bright spots. Now Cleveland must try to ignite an offense that is among the worst in the American League.
Designated hitter Travis Hafner had the night off during Monday’s series opener, but will likely be back on Tuesday carrying an 11-game hitting streak. Trevor Crowe, a 2005 first-round pick, is batting over .300 and playing well in the absence of center fielder Grady Sizemore. Beyond that, there is little excitement among Cleveland hitters.
The White Sox can relate. Gordon Beckham seemed primed for stardom following a stellar rookie season, but has stumbled through the first two months of the season. Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen has dropped Beckham to ninth in the order, but that’s as far as he’ll drop – Guillen has steadfastly refused to send Beckham back to Triple-A at this point.
Despite a .200 batting average and just nine RBIs, Beckham has shown signs of life recently. He is 4-for-8 with three runs scored over the last three games. He will match his season-high of four straight games if he can pick up a hit on Tuesday.
Former Indian Omar Vizquel, who is still a huge fan favorite in Cleveland, had a pair of hits in the opener on Monday. He will pass Luis Aparicio with his next hit for second-most all-time by a Venezuelan shortstop.