White Sox at Angels
The Chicago White Sox try to shake off a disappointing loss when they begin a brief two-game series against the Rangers in Texas on Wednesday. Chicago built a six-run lead at home against Detroit on Tuesday before allowing eight runs in the sixth inning and two more in the seventh en route to a 10-8 defeat. The setback was the team's third in four games. A.J. Pierzynski went 5-for-5 in the loss, raising his average from .257 to .288.
After being shut out for the second time in seven days on Monday, Los Angeles rebounded by blanking Oakland on Tuesday. Slugger Albert Pujols recorded his second three-hit performance of the season - both against the Athletics - and his fourth two-RBI effort in nine contests. The Angels have won just two of their last five games.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, CSN Plus (Chicago), FSN West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Gavin Floyd (3-3, 2.53 ERA) vs. Angels RH Jerome Williams (3-1, 4.19 ERA)
Floyd is hoping to continue his impressive stretch as he has allowed a total of four runs in 28 2/3 innings over his last four starts, including a triumph over Kansas City on Friday in which he tossed 7 2/3 scoreless frames. The 29-year-old is winless on the road this season, going 0-2 with a 3.15 ERA in three outings. Floyd owns a 2-4 record with a 4.32 ERA and two complete games in seven career starts against the Angels.
Williams has won each of his last three decisions and has allowed seven earned runs over 29 1/3 innings in his last four starts. The Hawaiian was ineffective against Texas in relief on Friday, surrendering six runs and 11 hits over 6 2/3 frames. Williams has been impressive at home this year, going 3-0 with a 2.01 ERA and one shutout in three outings.
WALK-OFFS:
1. Following this two-game series, the Angels head out on a 10-game road trip that begins Friday in San Diego.
2. The Angels made a coaching change after Tuesday's win, replacing hitting coach Mickey Hatcher with Triple-A Salt Lake's Jim Eppard.
3. White Sox manager Robin Ventura plans to play slugger Adam Dunn in left field during the weekend series at Wrigley Field that begins Friday.