Chicago @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 18, 2012 ) Chi. Cubs 12, Chi. White Sox 3

The Chicago White Sox had won seven of the last eight meetings with the Cubs before getting clubbed in Monday’s series opener. The visiting Cubs slugged five home runs in the 12-3 triumph, including four against White Sox starter Zach Stewart. Interleague play has traditionally gone well for the White Sox, but they have lost seven of 10 against National League opposition over the last 11 days. With Monday’s defeat, the White Sox saw their lead in the American League Central reduced to a half game.

The Cubs have struggled in nearly every area, ranking near the bottom of the NL in both runs scored and ERA. Even after Monday’s win, they own the worst record in baseball and their 9-25 road record is tied for the worst in the major leagues. The White Sox, despite their recent struggles, are still in first place largely to the hitting of DH Adam Dunn, who leads the majors with 23 home runs, and 1B Paul Konerko, currently the AL’s leading hitter (.359). Starting pitchers Jake Peavy and Chris Sale have carried an erratic pitching staff.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, Comcast Sports and WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Travis Wood (0-3, 4.58 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Jake Peavy (6-2, 2.91 ERA)

Wood has pitched fairly well since joining the Cubs’ rotation, but he remains winless thanks in part to a lack of run support. He has been solid on the road, posting a 3.06 ERA in three road starts. The left-hander has never faced the White Sox, but he is 0-2 with a 5.25 ERA in four lifetime starts against American League teams.

The American League Pitcher of the Month in April, Peavy struggled in late May when he allowed 13 runs in 11 2/3 innings against Detroit and Cleveland. He then rebounded with three straight quality starts. The former NL Cy Young winner is 7-2 with a 2.39 ERA in 12 lifetime starts against the Cubs, throwing 6 1/3 scoreless innings in a road win on May 20.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs LF Alfonso Soriano has enjoyed success against Peavy in the past, going 9-for-26 (.346) with three home runs, seven runs batted in and four walks. RF David De Jesus, on the other hand, is 0-for-14.

2. With Monday’s win, the Cubs maintain a slim 40-38 edge in regular-season games against the White Sox.

3. Despite this month’s rough stretch, the White Sox are still 35-17 in their last 52 interleague games.