Minnesota @ Chicago preview

Minnesota at Chi. White Sox

Last Meeting ( Aug 9, 2013 ) Minnesota 3, Chi. White Sox 2

The Minnesota Twins are literally slugging their way past the Chicago White Sox. After belting seven home runs to complete a sweep of Friday's doubleheader, Minnesota will vie for its ninth win in 11 outings against its American League Central rival on Saturday when the four-game series resumes in Chicago. Oswaldo Arcia homered in the Twins' 7-5 victory on Friday afternoon before going deep to lead off the 10th inning in a 3-2 triumph at night.

Alexei Ramirez also homered in both contests for the White Sox, who traded outfielder Alex Rios to Texas for a player to be named later mere moments before the start of the first game. Chicago has been very active over the last month, shipping veteran pitchers Matt Thornton, Jesse Crain and Jake Peavy in addition to Rios. The latest move allowed Blake Tekotte to see some playing time and he responded with his first career homer in the nightcap.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, Fox

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Mike Pelfrey (4-9, 5.23 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Andre Rienzo (0-0, 1.38)

Pelfrey extended his winless stretch to five outings despite yielding two runs in five innings of a no-decision versus Houston on Sunday. The 29-year-old, who hasn't won since July 6, picked up a no-decision after allowing four runs on 10 hits in six innings versus the White Sox on June 18. Pelfrey has struggled away from home, posting a 2-5 mark with a 4.96 ERA.

Rienzo picked up his second no-decision in as many career starts after allowing two runs on four hits in six innings against Detroit on Sunday. The 25-year-old Brazilian has yet to permit a homer and struck out nine since being recalled from Triple-A Charlotte. After a pair of late walks versus the Tigers cost him a chance at his first victory, Rienzo will be making his first start at home on Saturday.

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota 1B Justin Morneau belted a grand slam among his two homers in the first game of the doubleheader.

2. Ramirez recorded a pair of hits off Pelfrey in the 7-5 loss on June 18.

3. Chicago has dropped 16 of 22 contests since the All-Star break.

PREDICTION: Twins 6, White Sox 5