The Detroit Tigers (5-3) and Chicago White Sox (5-2) will close out a three-game American League Central series inside U.S. Cellular Field on Sunday afternoon, with the first pitch scheduled for 2:10 p.m. ET
Detroit Tigers at Chicago White Sox
Detroit suffered a 5-1 loss to the White Sox yesterday afternoon and will look to snap a two-game losing streak this afternoon. The Tigers offense has been tamed in the first two games of this series, combining to score just three runs on 11 hits, which directly followed a period of six games where the lineup managed to score a combined 40 runs. It’s certainly not good news that the current roster is a combined 4 for 36 against today’s opposing starter. Detroit is 38-17 when playing on Sunday over the last two-plus seasons.
Tigers starting pitcher Rick Porcello (0-0, 2.57 ERA) led the team to a 5-2 home win over the Tampa Bay Rays in a no-decision effort on April 10, surrendering two runs and seven hits over seven frames. The right-hander has recorded a quality start in each of his last three outings against the White Sox, compiling a 2-0 record and 3.32 ERA over that span. He’s been known to start slow during his young career, coming in with a 4-7 record and 5.75 ERA in 15 previous outings in the month of April.
Chicago is certainly excited about taking the first two games of this series, especially considering it has still dropped 21 of the last 29 meetings. “You want to win divisional games,” stated White Sox veteran first baseman Paul Konerko. He has been outstanding in the early going offensively, collecting at least one hit in all seven games, which could improve due to going 7 for 17 at the plate against Porcello in his career. Chicago is still just 24-34 in April since the start of the 2010 campaign.
White Sox starter Chris Sale (1-0, 1.35 ERA) will look to build off his first career start with the team, posting a 4-2 road victory over the Cleveland Indians on April 9, giving up just a single run and three hits over 6.2 strong innings. The southpaw spent his first two years with the club in the bullpen. He has made 10 relief appearances versus the Tigers in his career, posting a 1-0 mark and 2.45 ERA, as he’s allowed just six hits in 14.2 innings of work.
Bettors will likely back the White Sox due to their 16-5 record after allowing two runs or less in their previous game, while the Tigers are 0-5 in their last five road games against left-handed starters.
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