Cleveland @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 10, 2016 ) Cleveland 0, Chi. White Sox 0

The Chicago White Sox were able to put a temporary stop to their recent losing ways with a key American League Central win in their last time out and probably would like nothing more than to increase their working margin against their closest competitor. The White Sox will attempt to do exactly that beginning Monday when they host a doubleheader to begin a four-game series with the Cleveland Indians.

Chicago has dropped two out of three in each of its last four series since racing out to a 23-10 record following a win in Texas on May 9, losing most of the six-game lead it once held in the division over the last two weeks. The White Sox avoided getting swept for the first time this season with Sunday's 3-2 win over Kansas City, keeping the defending world champions in third place in the AL Central. The second-place Indians trail Chicago by 2 1/2 games and appeared to be on the verge of inching closer following their fifth straight win on Friday, but they were outscored 14-3 in their final two games at Fenway Park against Boston over the weekend. Monday's doubleheader is being played as a result of the clubs' rainout on April 10 in the rubber match of their first series.
TV: 5:10 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), CSN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Mike Clevinger (0-0, 6.75 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Mat Latos (5-1, 4.00)
Clevinger did not factor into the decision during his big-league debut at Cincinnati on Wednesday, allowing four runs on five hits while striking out five across 5 1/3 innings. The 25-year-old, who was named Cleveland's top minor-league pitcher last season, struggled with walks in his minor-league outings (17 in 35 2/3 innings), but yielded only one against the Reds. Clevinger earned his promotion after going 5-0 with a 3.03 ERA in seven starts at Triple-A Columbus.
Latos was hit hard again en route to his first loss of the season Wednesday, giving up season-high tying totals of five runs and 11 hits over 5 1/3 innings against Houston. After winning each of his first four turns with an 0.74 ERA, the Virginia native is 1-1, 7.84 and has surrendered 46 baserunners over his last four outings. Jason Kipnis (4-for-11) is among six Indians batting at least .300 against Latos, yet the 28-year-old is somehow 3-0 with a 4.68 ERA in four starts versus the Indians.

WALK-OFFS
1. The first game will mark the 18,000th game in Cleveland's franchise history.
2. Chicago went 1-for-23 with runners in scoring position against Kansas City.
3. Indians 1B Mike Napoli has struck out 11 times and is hitless in 19 at-bats over his last four games.

PREDICTION: White Sox 6, Indians 5