Chicago @ Minnesota preview
Target Field
Last Meeting ( Aug 18, 2010 ) Chi. White Sox 6, Minnesota 7
A week ago, the American League Central race looked like it may go down to the final few games of the season.
The Minnesota Twins' recent hot streak has them in position to wrap things up well before then.
The Twins look to build on their six-game winning streak – and a five-game lead in the AL Central – when they close out a three-game series with the Chicago White Sox on Thursday.
The White Sox were leading the Central early last week and were tied with Minesota just eight days ago. A loss to the Twins the following day and a weak series against the Detroit Tigers over the weekend had them three games back heading into this week’s showdown against Minnesota.
Chicago had a lead in the 10th inning on Monday and looked primed to jump back in the race before Matt Thornton yielded a two-run walk-off homer to former White Sox slugger Jim Thome, pushing the deficit to four games in the division.
The White Sox responded Wednesday, battling back from an early deficit and knocking around Minnesota ace Francisco Liriano in the process. Once again, Chicago’s pitching staff could not hold the advantage as the Twins jumped ahead with three runs in the sixth and held on for a 7-6 win, stranding the tying run in scoring position in the ninth. Joe Mauer went 4-for-5 in the contest with a homer and a pair of RBIs.
The Twins look for the sweep behind veteran right-hander Carl Pavano (15-7). The 34-year-old has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the majors this season, tossing at least six innings in 21 of his 24 starts this season and registering just one loss in his last 13 outings.
Signed to a one-year deal in the offseason, the oft-injured Pavano has managed to remain healthy and may have set himself up for a lucrative long-term contract.
The Connecticut native has earned the win in both of his starts against Chicago this season, including a complete-game effort on July 17 in which he allowed two runs on seven hits without issuing a walk. Control has been one of the keys to Pavano’s success this season, as he has issued just 29 walks in 168 innings.
The White Sox will counter with veteran Mark Buehrle (11-9). The left-hander earned the lone win for Chicago in last weekend’s series against Detroit, yielding three runs on five hits in 6 1/3 innings. That marked the 11th quality start in the last 12 appearances for Buehrle, who has gone 8-3 with a 2.92 ERA during that span.
Buehrle matched up against Pavano in that July 17 contest, matching his complete game but coming out on the losing end of the 3-2 final. In 45 career games – 43 starts – against the division-rival Twins, Buehrle owns a 24-17 record with a 4.08 ERA.