Chicago @ Detroit preview
Comerica Park
Last Meeting ( Sep 21, 2013 ) Chi. White Sox 6, Detroit 7
The Detroit Tigers can clinch their third consecutive American League Central title on Sunday, when they try to finish a three-game sweep of the visiting Chicago White Sox. The Tigers lead the division by six games over Cleveland and their magic number sits at two, meaning they can clinch with a win and a loss by the Indians. Regardless of whether it happens Sunday, another division title appears imminent with the Tigers having won six of seven and nine of 11.
The White Sox have dropped 18 of 22 overall and are 6-12 against Detroit after squandering a six-run lead in the ninth inning Saturday. They won't get any relief in the finale as they face AL Cy Young Award contender Anibal Sanchez, who leads the league with a 2.51 ERA. Sanchez is 7-0 with a 2.07 ERA in 11 starts since his last loss July 19 at Kansas City - and he has already beaten the White Sox twice during that span.
TV: 1:08 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, FSN Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Erik Johnson (1-2, 2.87 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Anibal Sanchez (14-7, 2.51)
Johnson picked up his first major-league win in his third big-league start last time out, striking out eight in six scoreless innings against Minnesota. The 23-year-old was 12-3 with a 1.96 ERA in the minors this year, splitting time between Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte. Johnson didn't fare well in his first meeting with Detroit, allowing six runs (two earned) in 3 2/3 innings Sept. 10.
Sanchez recorded his fourth straight quality start and his 11th in his last 12 outings last time he took the mound, striking out 10 and allowing two runs over 6 1/3 innings in a no-decision against Seattle. The 29-year-old is 2-1 with a 1.93 ERA in three starts against Chicago - all this year. He has not allowed a run in 13 1/3 innings over his last two starts against the White Sox.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tigers 3B Miguel Cabrera, who leads the majors with a .349 average, left Saturday's game with a sore groin. He is considered day-to-day.
2. White Sox C Josh Phegley is 3-for-7 with a grand slam against Sanchez.
3. Detroit DH Victor Martinez is riding an eight-game hitting streak. He is 1-for-1 with a walk versus Johnson.
PREDICTION: Tigers 7, White Sox 1