Texas @ Chicago preview

Texas at Chi. White Sox

Last Meeting ( May 2, 2013 ) Chi. White Sox 3, Texas 1

The Texas Rangers look for their ninth straight road victory when they open a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox on Friday. The Rangers, who own an American League-best 36-26 road mark, set out on a six-game trip with a 2 1/2-game lead over Oakland in the AL West. The White Sox, meanwhile, must be somewhat reluctant about returning home after winning the final six games of a seven-game trip.

Chicago wrapped up a three-game sweep in Kansas City with a 4-3 win in 12 innings Thursday, matching its longest winning streak since last August. The Rangers hope their hot play away from home will continue to propel them in the tight division race as they play 12 of their next 15 games on the road. This trip will be a homecoming for a pair of Rangers, though, as catcher A.J. Pierzynski returns to his former home park for the first time and outfielder Alex Rios faces the White Sox for the first time since being traded to Texas on Aug. 9.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, TXA-21 (Texas), WCIU (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Martin Perez (6-3, 3.48 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Chris Sale (9-11, 2.78)

Perez is showing why the Rangers were unwilling to include him in any trade packages, going 3-0 with a 2.42 ERA in three starts this month. The 22-year-old from Venezuela has recorded four straight quality starts after holding Seattle to three runs over seven innings last time out. Perez has never faced the White Sox.

Sale also has won his last three starts after limiting Minnesota to three runs over seven frames on Saturday. The lanky 24-year-old has registered quality starts in 19 of his 23 outings, including nine of his last 10. Sale is 3-0 with a 3.38 ERA in seven games (three starts) against Texas.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre, who is hitting .320 on the road this season, is 4-for-11 versus Sale.

2. Sale has recorded at least six strikeouts in his last 10 starts and 19 of 23 outings this season. He has hit double digits five times with a season high of 14.

3. White Sox RF Avisail Garcia is riding a nine-game hitting streak and has hit safely in 10 of the 11 contests he has started since being acquired from Detroit.

PREDICTION: Rangers 3, White Sox 2