Chicago @ Minnesota preview
Target Field
Last Meeting ( Aug 11, 2013 ) Minnesota 5, Chi. White Sox 2
The Minnesota Twins look to continue their success against the visiting Chicago White Sox when the American League Central rivals meet in the opener of their four-game series Thursday. Minnesota took three of four in Chicago last weekend, including a doubleheader sweep on Friday. The Twins continued their momentum by capturing the opener of a three-game set against the Cleveland Indians before dropping the final two contests.
Joe Mauer went 5-for-7 with four RBIs as Minnesota carried a four-run lead into the eighth before losing a 9-8 decision in 12 innings on Wednesday. The White Sox, who occupy the basement in the AL Central, had their bid for three-game sweep of the division-leading Detroit Tigers squashed as they suffered a 6-4 loss. All 19 of Minnesota's runs in last weekend's series against Chicago came via homers.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, CSN (Chicago), FSN North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Andre Rienzo (0-0, 4.42 ERA) vs. Twins RH Mike Pelfrey (4-10, 5.32)
Rienzo's search for his first career victory continues as he makes his fourth major-league start. The Brazilian-born 25-year-old settled for his third no-decision Saturday against the Twins after surrendering four runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. Rienzo made his first two starts on the road, yielding a total of five runs over 13 frames at Detroit and Cleveland.
Pelfrey is seeking his first win since July 6, as he is 0-4 over his last six outings. The 29-year-old has allowed more than three runs only twice in that span but never lasted more than six innings. Pelfrey fell to 0-2 lifetime against the White Sox on Saturday, when he gave up five runs on four hits and five walks over five innings at Chicago.
WALK-OFFS
1. Minnesota has won six of its last seven meetings with Chicago and is 9-3 in the season series.
2. Twins C Ryan Doumit could be activated from the seven-day disabled list Thursday.
3. The White Sox are a dismal 15-35 against division rivals this season.
PREDICTION: Twins 5, White Sox 4