White Sox at Mariners
Seattle outfielder Raul Ibanez is swinging the bat like a much younger version of himself. The 41-year-old Ibanez homered and had four RBIs in Tuesday’s victory over Chicago and has two homers and six RBIs in the series as the Mariners look to complete a three-game sweep Wednesday. The White Sox have lost a season-worst eight straight games and also have suffered nine consecutive road losses while sinking to eight games below .500.
Adam Dunn homered in the second inning Tuesday to end Chicago’s seven-game drought without a homer. The White Sox had won 26 of the last 31 meetings with the Mariners before Seattle’s back-to-back wins in this series. Seattle outfielder Michael Morse is progressing from the quadriceps injury he suffered May 28 and should rejoin the lineup later this week.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), ROOT Sports (Seattle)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Dylan Axelrod (3-4, 4.04 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Hisashi Iwakuma (6-1, 2.13)
Axelrod had a three-game winning streak snapped in his last outing despite allowing two runs and four hits in seven innings against Oakland. He has allowed three or fewer earned runs in nine of his 11 starts. Axelrod allowed one unearned run and three hits in 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision April 6 in his lone career outing against Seattle.
Iwakuma has won his past four decisions and hasn’t lost since April 23. He defeated Minnesota with 7 2/3 shutout innings in his last outing and has allowed two or fewer earned runs in 10 of his 12 starts. Iwakuma received a no-decision against Chicago on April 7 when he allowed three runs and four hits in eight innings and has a 2.77 ERA in three career appearances (one start) against the White Sox.
WALK-OFFS
1. Chicago has been outscored 44-15 during its losing streak.
2. Mariners C Jesus Sucre on Tuesday injured his left hand and could be headed to the disabled list after White Sox SS Alexei Ramirez hit him with his bat on the backswing.
3. Dunn has two homers in five career at-bats against Iwakuma.