Texas @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 23, 2013 ) Texas 11, Chi. White Sox 5

The Texas Rangers were on the verge of falling out of the American League West title chase following a four-game skid that left them six games back of Oakland on July 28. Less than a month later, the Rangers have seized control of the division following a blistering 19-4 stretch that has put them 3 1/2 games ahead of the Athletics entering Saturday's contest at the Chicago White Sox. Texas hit a season-high five homers to run its winning streak to four games with an 11-5 rout in the series opener.

The Rangers, winners of 14 of their last 17 games, look to extend a pair of streaks - they have won four straight overall and nine in a row on the road. Chicago had a season-high six-game winning streak snapped - all on the road - with Friday's debacle, which also halted a string of six consecutive quality starts by its pitching staff. Dayan Viciedo continues to swing a hot bat, going 6-for-13 with seven RBIs in his last three games and driving in 12 runs in his last seven.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), CSN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Yu Darvish (12-5, 2.68 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Hector Santiago (4-7, 3.27)

Darvish did not factor in the decision in his last outing versus Seattle, allowing three runs in 7 1/3 innings, but it marked his sixth consecutive quality start since the All-Star break. The major-league leader in strikeouts is 3-1 in that span and has fanned at least 11 in three of his last four outings. Darvish has split a pair of career starts versus the White Sox while posting a 6.57 ERA.

Santiago struggled last time out but earned his first victory in two months, giving up two runs on nine hits over six innings of a 5-2 triumph at Minnesota. He has allowed two earned runs or fewer in seven of his last nine outings but only has a 1-2 record to show for it. Santiago earned his first win of the season at Texas on May 2, giving up one run on two hits in 5 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre is making a run at consecutive AL Player of the Month awards, batting .403 with four homers and 18 RBIs in August.

2. White Sox rookie RF Avisail Garcia is riding a 10-game hitting streak.

3. Darvish beat Chicago on April 30 but surrendered four runs over six innings.

PREDICTION: Rangers 5, White Sox 3