White Sox at Indians
If the Chicago White Sox hope to end an ugly six-game losing streak, they'll need to do something they haven't done in 3 1/2 months - win in Cleveland. Chris Sale gets the call Thursday afternoon as the reeling White Sox look to avoid a sweep at the hands of the red-hot Indians. Chicago has won just twice in 12 meetings with Cleveland in 2013, with its only victory at Progressive Field coming on April 14.
Cleveland has used consecutive late-game comebacks to extend its winning streak to seven games, keeping pace with Detroit in the race for the American League Central title. The Indians sit 2 1/2 behind the Tigers entering Thursday's action after storming back from a two-run, ninth-inning deficit to post a 6-5 victory over the White Sox on Wednesday night. Justin Masterson take the mound for the Indians, who have won 10 straight home games.
TV: 12:05 p.m. ET, WCIU (Chicago), STO (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Chris Sale (6-10, 2.69 ERA) vs. Indians RH Justin Masterson (12-7, 3.42)
Despite posting peripherals that would normally earn him Cy Young Award consideration, Sale likely won't get many votes. The 24-year-old has dropped eight of his last nine decisions, a byproduct of receiving the least run support of any qualified starter in the majors (2.63 runs per start). Sale's last start served as a microcosm of his campaign, as he went the distance on a seven-hitter but dropped a 1-0 decision to Wade Davis and the Kansas City Royals.
Masterson is back on course after a rough start to the month, allowing just three runs on 10 hits over his previous three starts. The 28-year-old is coming off 7 2/3 sizzling innings against Texas in which he scattered five hits while striking out eight en route to a 1-0 win. "The great thing about the 1-0 games is they go quick," he told reporters after the game. "Everyone's pretty happy about that."
WALK-OFFS
1. Sale is 2-2 with three saves and a 3.66 ERA in 46 2/3 innings against Cleveland.
2. Players on Chicago's current roster are hitting just .221 in 289 at-bats against Masterson.
3. The AL Central rivals don't meet again until a four-game series Sept. 12-15 in Chicago.