Chicago @ Kansas City preview
Kauffman Stadium
Last Meeting ( Jun 22, 2013 ) Chi. White Sox 3, Kansas City 2
With their first series victory in nearly a month secured, the Chicago White Sox attempt to complete their first road sweep of the season Sunday against the Kansas City Royals. The White Sox entered the series versus their American League Central counterpart with losses in 15 of their previous 17 away from home, but have put together consecutive wins for only the second time in June. In Saturday 3-2 victory, Alejandro De Aza provided the winning run in the ninth inning with a sacrifice fly.
The Royals reached the .500 mark with a win Monday over the Cleveland Indians, but have scored a total of nine runs during their four-game losing streak. The offense has been even more dreadful when James Shields has taken the mound despite the fact Kansas City has won his last four outings. Shields has not secured a victory since April 30, but the offense has provided him with a meager 11 runs of support in those nine starts.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago) Fox Sports Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Dylan Axelrod (3-4, 4.39 ERA) vs. Royals RH James Shields (2-6, 2.72)
Axelrod needed a season-high 114 pitches to get through six innings in Tuesday’s 7-5 road loss to the Minnesota Twins. The right-hander has surrendered four homers over his last two outings, but not factored into the decision in any of his three June starts despite a 5.87 ERA. Axelrod, who gave up five runs (four earned) on a season-high 10 hits Tuesday, took the loss in his first start against Kansas City on May 4 after permitting two runs over 7 2/3 innings.
Over his winless streak, Shields has recorded eight quality starts and posted a 2.53 ERA. He recorded his fourth consecutive no-decision in Monday’s 2-1 road win against the Indians, allowing one run on four hits over six innings. The right-hander – who has pitched at least six innings in 29 consecutive outings – has received one run of support in his two starts against the White Sox this season.
WALK-OFFS
1. A win on Sunday would give Chicago its first four-game winning streak at Kauffman Stadium since a five-game run from May 29-July 3, 2009.
2. Kansas City 3B Mike Moustakas has recorded three straight multi-hit games to drive his average up to .201 for the season. He drove in his first run since May 23 on Saturday.
3. White Sox RHP Jesse Crain has made a club-record 29 straight scoreless appearances.
PREDICTION: Royals 2, White Sox 1