Chicago @ Boston preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 30, 2013 ) Chi. White Sox 3, Boston 4

David Ortiz finally broke out of a lengthy slump, giving the Boston Red Sox one more big weapon in the middle of the order. Ortiz and the Red Sox aim for a sixth win in their last seven games when they host the Chicago White Sox on Saturday. The All-Star slugger had be mired in an 0-for-23 slump before lacing a two-run single through the shift to help spark Boston to a 4-3 win in Friday’s series opener.

The American League East-leading Red Sox were able to win with Ortiz struggling largely due to the 2-3 combination of Shane Victorino and Dustin Pedroia, who are a combined 20-for-43 with 14 runs scored and 16 RBIs in the last six games. The White Sox are playing out the string but are not lying down for potential playoff teams and have won 10 of their last 13 contests. Chicago’s surge began after it started unloading veterans - including right-hander Jake Peavy, who starts for the Red Sox on Saturday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH John Danks (4-10, 4.15 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Jake Peavy (10-5, 3.99)

Danks is coming off back-to-back wins, holding Kansas City and Texas to a combined two runs in 14 innings. The Texas native runs into trouble from time to time with the long ball, surrendering 23 homers in 117 total innings. Danks is facing the Red Sox for the first time in 2013 but is 3-5 with a 4.98 ERA in eight career starts against them.

Peavy is making his first start against his former team since coming to Boston from Chicago in a three-team deal before the July 31 non-waiver deadline. The veteran is 2-1 with a 3.31 ERA in five starts with the Red Sox, including a three-hitter at Los Angeles on Sunday. Peavy is attempting to post a fourth straight outing with two or fewer earned runs allowed.

WALK-OFFS

1. OF Avisail Garcia, who was the big piece coming back to the White Sox in the three-team trade involving Peavy, is 9-for-17 with a pair of home runs and five RBIs in the last four games.

2. Red Sox RHP Clay Buchholz (shoulder/neck) will make one more minor-league rehab start before a return to the majors, which tentatively is set for Sept. 10.

3. Boston 1B/LF Mike Carp (shoulder) was scratched from the lineup on Thursday but declared himself ready for Friday, although he did not see action.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 8, White Sox 4