Chicago @ Texas preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 30, 2013 ) Chi. White Sox 6, Texas 10

The Texas Rangers completed one of their best Aprils in franchise history and look to start May off on the right note when they host the Chicago White Sox in Wednesday’s second contest of the three-game series. Texas went 17-9 in April, the second-best mark in club history behind an 18-7 record in 1998. Chicago had a tough first month, finishing 10-15 after suffering a 10-6 loss in the opener.

White Sox manager Robin Ventura has been mystified at times by his squad’s play. Chicago has lost seven of 10 games and has had breakdowns in all facets of the game. “There’s no magic potion,” Ventura said after Tuesday’s loss. “You have to be mentally strong to be able to do it, and we’re going to find it.” The Rangers had lost two straight games before the bats broke loose for 12 hits, including homers from Jeff Baker, Adrian Beltre and Nelson Cruz. “We’ve a very good team,” second baseman Ian Kinsler said afterward. “We have a lot of guys on this team that love to win and love to play baseball. We work hard and when you have that and you win, it snowballs.”

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, WCIU (Chicago), Fox Sports Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Chris Sale (2-2, 4.09 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Nick Tepesch (2-1, 2.53)

Sale has pitched seven or more innings in four of his five outings. He beat the Tampa Bay Rays in his last outing when he gave up two runs and four hits in seven innings. Sale has struck out seven three times this season and has 30 overall in 33 innings. He went 2-0 with a 3.95 ERA in two starts against Texas last season.

Tepesch has allowed one run in each of his two victories. He stymied the Minnesota Twins on one run and five hits in 6 2/3 innings in his last outing. Tepesch left this previous start in the second inning after being hit near his right wrist with a line drive, but showed no ill effects against Minnesota. He walked three in his first start of the season and hasn’t issued one since.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago OF Dewayne Wise had four hits and a homer in the opener after being a late insertion in the lineup for OF Jordan Danks (knee).

2. Beltre is 4-for-8 against Sale and Cruz is 3-for-6 with a homer.

3. White Sox slugger Adam Dunn hit his 12th career homer against the Rangers in the opener.

PREDICTION: Rangers 7, White Sox 5