Houston @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 17, 2013 ) Chi. White Sox 4, Houston 2

It will be a matchup of rookies on the mound when the Houston Astros visit the red-hot Chicago White Sox on Monday for the first of three games. Houston left-hander Brett Oberholtzer, who has been one of the team's bright spots in an otherwise difficult year, opposes Chicago's Andre Rienzo, who is making just his second home start for the suddenly surging White Sox. Chicago posted its eighth win in nine games Sunday, a 5-2 triumph over the American League West-leading Texas Rangers.

The White Sox have surrendered only 18 runs in those eight victories, which have put them on the verge of climbing out of the cellar in the AL Central. Houston is another last-place team that has played better of late, but it coughed up a late lead in a 2-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. The Astros, who have won three of their last four series, took three of four from Chicago at home in June.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, CSN (Houston), WCIU (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Brett Oberholtzer (3-1, 2.91 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Andre Rienzo (1-0, 3.56)

Oberholtzer recorded his fourth straight quality start on Aug. 18, when he limited the Los Angeles Angels to three runs and six hits over six innings. He served up his first home run in 34 frames in the victory. The 24-year-old also has issued just five walks, including one in 16 1/3 innings on the road.

Rienzo has been nearly as solid in his five major-league starts. He picked up his first career victory at Kansas City on Wednesday, when he allowed two runs in six innings. The native of Brazil has recorded quality starts in each of his four road outings but gave up four runs on seven hits and five walks over 5 1/3 innings in his one start at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. All three of Houston's wins over Chicago in June were one-run decisions. The Astros are 13-26 in one-run games against all other teams.

2. White Sox RF Avisail Garcia left Sunday's game after a hard collision with the wall.

3. Chicago RHP Addison Reed has tossed 13 straight scoreless innings, picking up a win and eight saves in that stretch.

PREDICTION: White Sox 4, Astros 3