White Sox at Rangers
The Texas Rangers are moving up the ledger in the American wild-card race and look to record their fourth consecutive victory when they open a four-game series against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. Texas rolled up 28 runs in a three-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers to pull within two games of the Los Angeles Angels for the second wild card.
First baseman Joey Gallo homered in each game of the series against Detroit and has 10 homers and 18 RBIs in August to raise his season totals to 35 and 65. Shortstop Elvis Andrus, who homered and had four RBIs in Wednesday's 12-6 victory, also is having a strong month with a .397 average in 58 at-bats. Texas, which has won six of its last seven games, hopes to continue its momentum against the White Sox -- losers of four straight. The latest loss was painful for Chicago as it allowed three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning Wednesday to suffer a 5-4 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago-Plus, FSN Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Reynaldo Lopez (0-0, 3.00 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Tyson Ross (3-2, 7.11)
Lopez is making his second start for Chicago since recently being recalled from Triple-A Charlotte. The 23-year-old received a no-decision in his White Sox debut despite allowing two runs and four hits over six innings against the Kansas City Royals. Lopez went 5-3 with a 4.91 ERA in 11 appearances (six starts) for the Washington Nationals last season before being traded as part of the package for outfielder Adam Eaton.
Ross returned from a stint on the disabled list because of blister issues to defeat the Houston Astros on Saturday. The 30-year-old struggled with his control by issuing five walks while giving up three runs and four hits over 5 2/3 innings. Ross received a no-decision against the White Sox on July 2 when he allowed four runs and four hits over five innings and is 3-0 with a 2.95 ERA in four appearances (three starts) against Chicago.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rangers RF Nomar Mazara had two three-hit outings against the Tigers and is 13-for-27 with a homer and nine RBIs over the past seven games.
2. Chicago rookie LF/DH Nicky Delmonico went 3-for-4 with two homers Wednesday to raise his average to .396 and has reached base in all 13 of his major league games.
3. Texas CF Carlos Gomez (infected cyst on upper back) has missed three straight games but hopes to play in the series opener.