Boston @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( May 21, 2013 ) Boston 1, Chi. White Sox 3

The Boston Red Sox have had their offense abandon them against the Chicago White Sox. The Red Sox will try to put some runs up and avoid a three-game sweep when they close out a nine-game road trip at Chicago on Wednesday. Boston has totaled 10 hits in dropping the first two games of the series and were being no-hit into the seventh by Jose Quintana on Tuesday. The White Sox have won six of their last eight.

Chicago’s chances of sweeping the series were altered slightly on Tuesday, when it was announced that ace Chris Sale would be scratched from the finale due to shoulder tendinitis. But the Red Sox have enough issues at the top of the lineup, with Jacoby Ellsbury struggling and Shane Victorino battling a hamstring strain, that any left-hander could give them trouble. The White Sox have taken the first two games with the long ball. Adam Dunn got them an early lead with a three-run blast on Monday and Jeff Keppinger snapped a scoreless draw with a two-run shot on Tuesday.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, New England Sports Network (Boston), Comcast SportsNet Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Clay Buchholz (6-0, 1.78 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Hector Santiago (1-2, 2.78)

Buchholz is leading the American League in ERA but has not posted a win in any of his last three turns due to some poor run support. The right-hander struck out nine and allowed two runs and four hits over seven innings at Minnesota on Friday but did not factor into the decision. Buchholz has struggled in his career against Chicago, going 1-2 with a 5.02 ERA in five starts. Paul Konerko is 6-for-12 with a homer off Buchholz.

Santiago will be making the start on three days’ rest but was only around long enough to throw 80 pitches over 3 1/3 innings while surrendering three runs at Los Angeles on Saturday. The left-hander started the season in the bullpen and has struggled in his last two starts, allowing nine runs (six earned) and 12 hits in nine total innings. He made one relief appearance against Boston and was charged with two runs in three frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia drove in the lone run on Tuesday but had his 12-game hitting streak come to an end.

2. White Sox starters have posted a 2.84 ERA over the last 31 games.

3. Chicago LHP John Danks (shoulder) threw a bullpen session on Tuesday with no issues and is likely to return to the rotation this weekend.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, White Sox 3