Chicago @ Tampa Bay preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 4, 2018 ) Chi. White Sox 2, Tampa Bay 1

After sweeping three straight from one opponent to begin their homestand, the Tampa Bay Rays hope to avoid suffering the same fate when they host the Chicago White Sox in the finale of their three-game set Sunday afternoon. The White Sox won the series opener in 10 innings and utilized a ninth-inning error to steal a 2-1 triumph Saturday night.

The Rays, who took three in a row from the Los Angeles Angels to start the week, have managed nine hits - seven singles and two doubles - in the series and Chicago pitching has amassed 19 strikeouts. James Shields, Tampa Bay's franchise leader in wins (87), starts (217), strikeouts (1,250) and several other categories, will make his second career start at Tropicana Field as an opponent when he goes for the White Sox. The Rays counter with Hunter Wood as they embark on another bullpen day on the mound. Chicago has matched its longest winning streak of the year at three straight and it is 5-3 in its last eight games versus American League East opponents.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH James Shields (4-13, 4.56 ERA) vs. Rays RH Hunter Wood (0-0, 3.05)

Shields lost his last three starts but finished seven innings in two of them, including a matchup with Kansas City on Tuesday in which he gave up four runs and struck out eight. The 36-year-old held the Rays to one run over 6 1/3 innings earlier in the year and is 3-0 with a 1.37 ERA in four starts against his former team. Carlos Gomez is 5-for-11 against Shields while Matt Duffy is 2-for-24 with 10 strikeouts.

Wood struck out five batters in two scoreless innings as a starter against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday. He has allowed one run and fanned 12 in 6 2/3 innings through his first four starts. The 24-year-old, who has a 2.25 ERA at home, will be facing the White Sox for the first time.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay OF Mallex Smith has four walks, two steals and one hit in the series.

2. The Rays placed IF/OF Daniel Robertson (thumb) on the 10-day disabled list amid a flurry of moves Saturday.

3. White Sox 2B Yoan Moncada struck out in all three official at-bats Saturday and has whiffed 13 times in a five-game stretch.

PREDICTION: Rays 5, White Sox 4