Milwaukee @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 2, 2012 ) Milwaukee 13, Chi. White Sox 7

Milwaukee rebounded from a sweep at Kansas City last week by taking two of three from both Minnesota and Toronto during its current interleague stretch. The White Sox have lost four consecutive series against National League teams, most recently dropping two of three at home against the crosstown rival Cubs. The Brewers and White Sox have played just one three-game series since 2001, with Chicago winning two of three games from Milwaukee in June of 2009.

Chicago, led by DH Adam Dunn (23 HR) and first baseman Paul Konerko (.354 batting average), surged to the front of the American League Central early in the month but has dropped six of eight to fall into second place, one game back of Cleveland. Milwaukee continues to tread water in the National League Central, 6 1/2 games behind first-place Cincinnati. Outfielder Ryan Braun, the reigning NL MVP, is again leading the way offensively (.321, 20 HR, 51 RBIs).

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Wisconsin (Milwaukee), Comcast Sports (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Zack Greinke (7-2, 3.10 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Chris Sale (8-2, 2.46)

Greinke has been his usual outstanding self in Milwaukee, but he has been far more human on the road, going 3-2 with a 4.96 ERA in eight away starts this season. He has lost two road outings in a row, giving up four runs on 11 hits in eight innings at Minnesota on June 17. Greinke is just 6-10 with a 4.23 ERA in 24 career games (21 starts) against the White Sox.

In his first year as a major-league starter, Sale has proven to be one of the AL’s most dominating pitchers. He ranks among the league leaders with 82 strikeouts while surrendering just 22 walks and posting a 1.00 WHIP. He struggled in his last start June 15 at the Los Angeles Dodgers (5 2/3 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 4 BB, 6 K), snapping a five-start run that saw him yield just four runs in 36 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. White Sox C A.J. Pierzynski has enjoyed success against Greinke, going 19-for-46 (.413) with two home runs and five runs batted in. Konerko is just 9-for-59 (.153) with 17 strikeouts.

2. Sale, who has yet to face the Brewers, has never allowed a run against an NL Central team — in 10 innings against Houston and the Chicago Cubs, he has yielded seven hits, striking out 10 with no walks.

3. The White Sox have traditionally excelled during interleague competition — even including this season’s 7-8 mark, they have won 49 of their last 73 games against National League clubs.