Chicago @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 21, 2013 ) Minnesota 5, Chi. White Sox 3

A brilliant pitching performance by Chris Sale helped the Chicago White Sox avert a sweep at the hands of the Los Angeles Angels. Chicago will send another left-hander to the mound when it begins a seven-game road trip with a three-game set against the Minnesota Twins on Monday. The White Sox are buried in last place in the American League Central - 2 1/2 games behind the Twins - and are in the midst of a stretch that has them playing 15 of 18 away from home.

Minnesota's nine-game homestand did not start well as its pitching staff was roughed up for 20 runs in losing two of three games to the Baltimore Orioles. The pitching was much more effective in winning a rain-shortened two-game series in Chicago last month, giving up a total of four runs. Twins catcher Joe Mauer went 8-for-12 with four doubles in the series against the Orioles and is riding an 11-game hitting streak.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, Fox Sports North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Hector Santiago (1-1, 1.69 ERA) vs. Twins LH Pedro Hernandez (1-0, 5.96)

Santiago is making his third start since filling in for an injured Jake Peavy. He allowed one run on two hits in 5 1/3 innings against Texas in his first start and topped that last time out. He held his own in a pitching duel with Mets ace Matt Harvey, tossing seven scoreless innings of four-hit ball while striking out eight. Santiago has made nine appearances overall, striking out 25 batters and walking seven in 26 2/3 innings.

Hernandez is coming off back-to-back rocky outings. He lasted only two innings and was pounded for six runs by Boston last time out despite being given leads of 4-0 and 11-5. He also was roughed up in his previous start, allowing five runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings at Cleveland. Hernandez's best outing came in his only home start, when he limited the Texas Rangers to five hits in five scoreless innings on April 27.

WALK-OFFS

1. Santiago beat the Twins on Sept. 3, allowing one run on three hits in five innings.

2. Hernandez made one start for Chicago last year before he was traded to Minnesota in the team for Francisco Liriano.

3. Mauer is batting .319 in 122 games against the White Sox.

PREDICTION: White Sox 4, Twins 3