New York @ Chicago preview
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Last Meeting ( Aug 6, 2013 ) NY Yankees 2, Chi. White Sox 3
The New York Yankees try to avoid being swept as they visit the Chicago White Sox for the finale of their three-game series on Wednesday. New York was pounded in the opener and dropped a one-run decision Tuesday to fall to 2-5 on its eight-game road trip. Alex Rodriguez has gone 1-for-6 with a walk and also was hit by a pitch in the series, his first two contests of 2013 following offseason hip surgery.
The Yankees remain within reach of the second wild-card spot in the American League despite having lost seven of their last 10 games. Chicago is buried in the AL Central basement but has received strong performances from starters Jose Quintana and All-Star Chris Sale to clinch its first series win in five attempts. The back-to-back victories have come on the heels of a 10-game losing streak.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, YES (New York), CSN (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH CC Sabathia (9-10, 4.78 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Hector Santiago (3-7, 3.28)
Sabathia fell to 0-4 over his last five starts after surrendering five runs and 11 hits over 5 2/3 innings at San Diego on Friday. The burly 33-year-old has yielded a total of 27 runs - 22 earned - and 37 hits in 19 2/3 frames over his last four outings. Sabathia has had plenty of success against the White Sox during his career, going 18-4 with a 3.63 ERA in 31 starts.
Santiago's winless streak reached seven starts Friday as he suffered the loss at Detroit despite yielding just two runs in seven innings. The 25-year-old is 0-2 but has allowed more than two runs only twice during his drought. Santiago has made two career relief appearances against the Yankees, going 1-0 while surrendering four runs in four frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Santiago has recorded 111 strikeouts in 107 innings this season.
2. White Sox LF Dayan Viciedo sat out Tuesday's game after leaving the series opener with a jammed left thumb.
3. Yankees RHP David Phelps, who is on the disabled list with a strained right forearm, recently suffered a strain in a different are of the forearm during his rehab and has been shut down temporarily.
PREDICTION: Yankees 6, White Sox 3