Chicago @ Minnesota preview
Target Field
Last Meeting ( Aug 17, 2013 ) Chi. White Sox 8, Minnesota 5
The Minnesota Twins may have enjoyed the better of the season series, but Chicago White Sox slugger Adam Dunn is getting his licks in during the current four-game set. With six hits, his 28th homer and three runs scored in the series, Dunn will look to provide an encore on Sunday as Chicago vies for its third win over Minnesota. Dunn had three hits - including an RBI double - and Dayan Viciedo and Alejandro De Aza homered as the White Sox posted an 8-5 triumph on Saturday.
Joe Mauer isn't faring too badly in the series as well, having ripped a two-run double on Saturday to extend his hitting streak to five games. The veteran has collected five hits in the series and 11 during the streak for the Twins, who have won 10 of the 15 meetings with their American League Central rival. Should Minnesota go deep on Sunday, it will match its longest streak since it homered in 11 consecutive contests in August 2007.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, CSN (Chicago), FSN North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Hector Santiago (3-7, 3.37 ERA) vs. Twins RH Samuel Deduno (7-6, 3.54)
Searching for his first win since June 21, Santiago settled for a no-decision after permitting two runs (one earned) on six hits in five innings against Detroit on Tuesday. The 25-year-old fell to 1-2 in his career versus the Twins after allowing six runs (three earned) on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings in a 10-3 loss on May 13. Santiago has struggled with his control, issuing 16 walks in his last five contests and 55 overall in 117 2/3 innings.
Deduno suffered his second straight loss after yielding five runs (four earned) on as many hits in six innings en route to a 5-2 setback versus Cleveland on Tuesday. The 30-year-old Dominican, who has been touched for a homer in both losses, permitted just four others in 13 starts this season. Deduno has struggled against White Sox, dropping a pair of decisions while allowing six runs and eight walks in 10 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Dunn, who is riding a nine-game hitting streak, is 2-for-3 with a double in his career against Deduno.
2. Minnesota has hit 29 homers in 22 contests since July 26.
3. The White Sox have recorded at least 10 hits in five of their last six contests.
PREDICTION: Twins 3, White Sox 2