Chicago @ Detroit preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 11, 2013 ) Detroit 1, Chi. White Sox 0

Max Scherzer makes a fifth attempt at recording his 20th victory when the Detroit Tigers open a three-game series against the visiting Chicago White Sox on Friday. Scherzer is looking to become the first pitcher in the majors to reach the milestone while attempting to push Detroit closer to the American League Central crown. The Tigers have a six-game lead over second-place Cleveland and a magic number of four entering the opener.

The White Sox have lost 16 of 20 games and own the third-worst record in the majors (60-92). Chicago is 6-10 against the Tigers after losing two of three at home last week. Detroit’s Victor Martinez served as the catcher for only the third time all season in Thursday’s victory over Seattle, reaching base four times and delivering the go-ahead double in a 5-4 victory.

TV: 7:08 p.m. ET, WCIU (Chicago), FSN (Detroit)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Andre Rienzo (2-2, 5.04 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Max Scherzer (19-3, 2.95)

Rienzo has posted a 7.32 ERA over his last four outings, allowing five earned runs in three of them. He gave up two earned runs or fewer in three of his first five starts prior to the recent struggles. Rienzo received a no-decision against Detroit on Aug. 4, when he gave up two runs on four hits in six-plus innings in his second major-league start.

Scherzer has a 4.70 ERA in his four-start winless stretch during which he suffered two of his three losses. He pitched well in his last start against Kansas City, allowing one run and five hits in seven innings while matching a season high with 12 strikeouts. Scherzer is 2-1 with a 2.81 ERA in four starts against the White Sox this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Detroit 3B Miguel Cabrera is batting .227 with a homer and four RBIs in September.

2. Chicago INF Gordon Beckham is 5-for-29 with nine strikeouts against Scherzer.

3. Tigers SS Jose Iglesias likely will miss the contest after being hit on the left hand with a pitch in Thursday’s game.

PREDICTION: Tigers 13, White Sox 4