Chicago @ Minnesota preview
Target Field
Last Meeting ( May 15, 2013 ) Chi. White Sox 9, Minnesota 4
After ending their series in Houston on a high note, the Chicago White Sox continue their 10-game road trip Tuesday when they take on the Minnesota Twins in the opener of a three-game set. Chicago dropped the first three contests against the Astros before rallying for a 4-2 triumph in the finale on Monday. Dayan Viciedo capped a four-run sixth inning with a three-run triple as the White Sox won for just the second time in 14 road games.
Minnesota has lost three of its last four contests. The Twins fell behind early to the Detroit Tigers on Sunday and never recovered, dropping a 5-2 decision as former Minnesota star Torii Hunter belted his 300th career homer and drove in three runs. Minnesota is 3-3 on its nine-game homestand, and is 16-17 at home this season.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, WCIU (Chicago), FSN North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Dylan Axelrod (3-4, 4.26 ERA) vs. Twins RH Mike Pelfrey (3-6, 6.12)
Axelrod is well-rested as he hasn't pitched since June 10 due to Wednesday's rainout. In his last outing, the 27-year-old escaped with a no-decision against the Toronto Blue Jays despite yielding six runs in four innings. Axelrod, who allowed three runs or fewer in his previous five starts, gave up three runs over 5 1/3 frames in a victory at Minnesota on May 15.
Pelfrey has not won since topping the Cleveland Indians on May 5, going 0-3 in his last seven starts. The 29-year-old settled for a no-decision against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday after allowing three runs in a season-high seven innings. Pelfrey lost to Axelrod in their first encounter as he was tagged for five runs and eight hits over four frames on May 15.
WALK-OFFS
1. Minnesota's Josh Willingham hopes to return to the lineup after missing Sunday's game with a left knee injury. He has been restricted to DH duties, as he's unable to play LF due to the knee problem.
2. Chicago DH/1B Adam Dunn leads the American League with six home runs this month.
3. The White Sox are last in the AL Central, 1 1/2 games behind the fourth-place Twins.
PREDICTION: White Sox 6, Twins 3