Chicago @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( May 12, 2013 ) LA Angels 0, Chi. White Sox 3

Two teams that have struggled to build momentum will meet Thursday when the Los Angeles Angels host the Chicago White Sox in the opener of a four-game series. The White Sox are showing signs of breaking out after winning their last two games against the Twins in Minnesota, moving back within four games of .500. The Angels won their first two games in Chicago before they were stymied by Chris Sale’s one-hitter Sunday in a 3-0 loss and have dropped two of three since to fall 10 games below .500.

Chicago designated hitter Adam Dunn had two home runs and five RBIs in a 9-4 victory Wednesday against the Twins, but is still hitting .156. Another player the White Sox hope to get untracked is first baseman Paul Konerko. White Sox manager Robin Ventura kept him out of the lineup the first two games against Minnesota then batted him fifth Wednesday, when he went 1-for-4 to raise his average to .215. He hasn’t homered since April 28, however. Angels center fielder Mike Trout has six home runs this month, which is tied for the American League lead.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, Fox Sports West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Jose Quintana (2-1, 3.72 ERA) vs. Angels RH Jerome Williams (2-1, 3.06)

Quintana and Williams matched up Saturday in Chicago and the Angels came away with a 3-2 victory. Quintana allowed two earned runs and five hits in six innings and took the loss. Williams also allowed two earned runs but lasted two outs longer and earned the victory. Quintana has allowed three earned runs or fewer in five of his seven starts this season and owns a 2.86 ERA since giving up five runs in his season debut. Quintana was a tough-luck loser in his only other start against the Angels, allowing one earned run last September but taking the loss after his fielding error in the first led to three unearned runs in the 4-2 loss.

Williams will make his third start of the season and 95th of his career. The Angels have won two of the 10 games in which he appeared in this season, but are 1-1 when he starts. Williams is 2-0 in his career against the White Sox, earning his other victory last May 17 in Anaheim. He allowed two runs and 10 hits in eight innings of the 7-2 win. Williams has pitched well at Angel Stadium overall in his career, owning a 9-4 record with a 2.98 ERA and throwing one of his two career shutouts. Chicago left fielder Dayan Viciedo seems to like what he has to offer. He’s 5-for-5 in his career against Williams with a home run.

WALK-OFFS

1. White Sox 2B Jeff Keppinger has not drawn a walk in 135 at-bats this season.

2. The White Sox went without an error Wednesday for the first time in seven games.

3. The Angels are 11 games behind the Texas Rangers in the AL West, the furthest they’ve been out since the second-to-last game in 2010.

PREDICTION: Angels 7, White Sox 4