Oakland @ Chicago preview
Guaranteed Rate Field
Last Meeting ( Jun 2, 2013 ) Chi. White Sox 0, Oakland 2
The Chicago White Sox were swept in a three-game series in Oakland last weekend and will be out for revenge when they host the Athletics in a four-game set beginning Thursday. Chicago snapped an eight-game losing streak and avoided a sweep in Seattle by winning a 7-5, 16-inning marathon Wednesday. The seven runs marked the White Sox's highest total in 16 games - with all the runs coming after they were held scoreless for the first 13 innings.
Oakland has ripped off 16 wins in its last 19 games to cut what was once a healthy advantage by AL West leader Texas to 1 1/2 games. Pitching has been behind the resurgence of the Athletics, who limited the White Sox to three runs and posted a pair of shutout victories in the three-game sweep. Oakland sends Dan Straily to the mound to oppose Jose Quintana in a rematch of last Saturday's game.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet California (Oakland), Comcast SportsNet (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Dan Straily (3-2, 4.60 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Jose Quintana (3-2, 3.86)
Straily is in the midst of the best stretch of his young career, going 2-0 and allowing a total of two runs in his last three starts. He limited the White Sox to one run on six hits and struck out eight in six innings last time out but did not factor in the decision. Straily is 2-1 and has held the opposition to a .195 batting average in four road starts.
Quintana labored through 5 1/3 innings in the matchup vs. Oakland, giving up three runs on a career high-tying 10 hits. He also did not factor in the decision and has notched only one victory in his last seven outings. Control has been an issue for Quintana, who has yielded 11 walks over his last 24 1/3 innings after permitting 10 in his first 38 2/3 frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Oakland's starting pitchers have surrendered one run or fewer in 11 of its last 19 games.
2. White Sox 2B Gordon Beckham, in his third game back since suffering a fractured hand in April, had four hits Wednesday.
3. Since May 11, the Athletics have posted a major league-best 18-6 record.
PREDICTION: Athletics 4, White Sox 3