Chicago @ Detroit preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 13, 2018 ) Chi. White Sox 5, Detroit 9

Nicholas Castellanos may not be the only reason the Detroit Tigers have enjoyed so much success against the Chicago White Sox this season, even if it seems like that has been the case in recent meetings. Coming off a career night at the plate, the 26-year-old slugger attempts to maintain his incredible success versus the White Sox in 2018 when his Tigers host the middle contest of their three-game series on Tuesday.

Castellanos almost singlehandedly carried the Tigers to their sixth straight victory over their American League Central rival in Monday's series opener, driving in five of his team's final six runs while going 5-for-5 with a home run and two doubles. The former No. 44 overall draft pick set a career high with his five hits and matched another with the five RBIs - the latter of which he accomplished against the White Sox as part of a two-homer effort on June 16. Detroit improved to 9-1 against Chicago following Monday's 9-5 triumph, winning for the third time in four games after a winless six-game road trip. The White Sox have dropped six of seven since winning four of five to begin the month.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (7-9, 6.23 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Blaine Hardy (4-4, 3.63)

Giolito's modest four-game unbeaten streak came to an emphatic end Wednesday against the New York Yankees as he was pounded for seven runs on six hits - two homers - and three walks over five innings. Although he had been pitching better of late prior to that performance, the 24-year-old still leads the AL with 71 walks. Castellanos (2-for-9, five RBIs) has homered twice against Giolito, who is 0-1 with an 8.18 ERA in two starts versus Detroit this season.

Hardy, who will make his fifth straight start after spending most of the season as a reliever, took the loss on Wednesday, surrendering five runs and seven hits - three homers - in five frames against the Los Angeles Angels. It was a bit of an uncharacteristic outing for the product of Lewis-Clark State, who had not yielded a home run over his previous eight appearances (three starts). Hardy has thrived in two turns this season against the White Sox, however, going 2-0 with a 1.46 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Castellanos is batting .419 with four home runs, 14 RBIs and 11 runs scored in 10 games against Chicago this season.

2. The White Sox have struck out at least 10 times in eight straight contests.

3. Detroit C James McCann, who went 25-for-145 over a 43-game stretch from June 1-Aug. 10, is 5-for-8 over his last two games.

PREDICTION: Tigers 7, White Sox 4