White Sox at Twins
The Minnesota Twins look to continue their success against the visiting Chicago White Sox when the American League Central rivals meet in the opener of their four-game series Thursday. Minnesota took three of four in Chicago last weekend, including a doubleheader sweep on Friday. The Twins continued their momentum by capturing the opener of a three-game set against the Cleveland Indians before dropping the final two contests.
Joe Mauer went 5-for-7 with four RBIs as Minnesota carried a four-run lead into the eighth before losing a 9-8 decision in 12 innings on Wednesday. The White Sox, who occupy the basement in the AL Central, had their bid for three-game sweep of the division-leading Detroit Tigers squashed as they suffered a 6-4 loss. All 19 of Minnesota's runs in last weekend's series against Chicago came via homers.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, CSN (Chicago), FSN North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Andre Rienzo (0-0, 4.42 ERA) vs. Twins RH Mike Pelfrey (4-10, 5.32)
Rienzo's search for his first career victory continues as he makes his fourth major-league start. The Brazilian-born 25-year-old settled for his third no-decision Saturday against the Twins after surrendering four runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. Rienzo made his first two starts on the road, yielding a total of five runs over 13 frames at Detroit and Cleveland.
Pelfrey is seeking his first win since July 6, as he is 0-4 over his last six outings. The 29-year-old has allowed more than three runs only twice in that span but never lasted more than six innings. Pelfrey fell to 0-2 lifetime against the White Sox on Saturday, when he gave up five runs on four hits and five walks over five innings at Chicago.
WALK-OFFS
1. Minnesota has won six of its last seven meetings with Chicago and is 9-3 in the season series.
2. Twins C Ryan Doumit could be activated from the seven-day disabled list Thursday.
3. The White Sox are a dismal 15-35 against division rivals this season.