The Chicago White Sox attempt to sweep their brief series against the visiting New York Mets when the teams meet Wednesday in the finale of a two-game set. Chicago kicked off its nine-game homestand with a wild 5-4 walkoff triumph Tuesday. With two outs in the top of the ninth and the White Sox leading 4-3, second baseman Gordon Beckham collided with third baseman Conor Gillaspie going for a pop-up and was charged with an error, allowing David Wright to score the tying run.
Chicago redeemed itself in the bottom of the inning as Jeff Keppinger led off with a single and scored four batters later on Alexei Ramirez's single. It was the fourth win in five home games for the White Sox, but ace Chris Sale saw his winless streak reach five starts despite eight strong innings during which he recorded 13 strikeouts. New York has lost two of three but has scored four or more runs in seven of its last eight contests.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), CSN (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Shaun Marcum (0-9, 5.76 ERA) vs. White Sox LH John Danks (1-4, 5.40)
Marcum still is searching for his first victory as a Met. The 31-year-old veteran has lost four consecutive starts, including a June 19 defeat at Atlanta in which he surrendered five runs on six hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings. Marcum, who will be making his 10th start and 12th appearance of the season, is 3-0 with a 2.48 ERA in five career outings against Chicago but has not faced the White Sox since 2010 while with Toronto.
Danks has struggled in his six starts this season, allowing four or more runs four times. The 28-year-old was tagged for six runs and 12 hits over five innings in a loss at Minnesota on Thursday. Danks, who never has faced the Mets, will be making his third start of the year at home.
WALK-OFFS
1. Chicago 1B Paul Konerko missed the series opener with a sore back.
2. New York traded OF Collin Cowgill to the Los Angeles Angels for minor-league OF Kyle Johnson.
3. The teams combined for seven stolen bases Tuesday; Wright led the way with two of New York's four steals.
PREDICTION: Mets 5, White Sox 3