White Sox at Tigers
The Detroit Tigers lived up to the preseason hype through the first week of the season, showing why they were considered overwhelming favorites to win the American League behind a powerhouse offense fueled by Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder. After opening the season 6-1, the Tigers have found things considerably tougher in their first series away from home, dropping back-to-back games to the Chicago White Sox, who are playing like they plan on having a say in the division race.
The White Sox will be seeking their fifth consecutive victory and a three-game series sweep when they host Detroit on Sunday. Chicago's pitching has shut down the vaunted Tigers' offense, allowing only three runs in the two games. Gavin Floyd turned in six innings of shutout ball and the White Sox went deep three times to give them four homers in the series as they look to turn the tables on Detroit after losing 13 of 18 meetings in 2011.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, WGN (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Rick Porcello (0-0, 2.57 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Chris Sale (1-0, 1.35 ERA)
Rick Porcello went seven strong innings to win his season debut against the Tampa Bay Rays. Porcello did not fare well against the White Sox early in his career, but he is 2-0 with a no-decision the last three times he's faced them. Porcello needs to be wary of Paul Konerko, who is 7-for-17 with a homer and five RBIs against him.
The White Sox were hoping Sale's success in the bullpen would translate to the starting rotation. His first start certainly did nothing to dim their optimism, as Sale permitted only one run and three hits in 6 2/3 innings at Cleveland. The former first-round draft pick has held Detroit to a .128 batting average in 10 relief appearances.
WALK-OFFS
1. The last time the White Sox swept a three-game home series from Detroit was Aug. 11-13, 2006.
2. Tigers second baseman Brandon Inge is expected to make his first start after he was activated from the disabled list Saturday game.
3. White Sox center fielder Alejandro De Aza has tripled in each of the first two games of the series.