Milwaukee @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 23, 2012 ) Milwaukee 6, Chi. White Sox 8

The Chicago White Sox, who have lost four consecutive series against National League teams, will try to avoid dropping a fifth in Sunday’s rubber match against Milwaukee. The Brewers took the opener in 10 innings 1-0 before Chicago bounced back with an 8-6 triumph on Saturday evening behind a home run and four RBIs from Dayan Viciedo. With the win, the White Sox moved to within a half-game of first-place Cleveland in the American League Central.

Led by left-hander Chris Sale and the powerful tandem of DH Adam Dunn (23 HRs) and 1B Paul Konerko (.348 batting average), Chicago surged to the front of the division in late May before dropping seven of nine to fall back into second place. Milwaukee, which has had difficulty getting consistent production from its bullpen, trails Cincinnati by 6 1/2 games in a crowded National League Central. Brewers LF Ryan Braun is working on a 17-game hitting streak.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Wisconsin (Milwaukee), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Michael Fiers (2-2, 3.46 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Jose Quintana (2-1, 1.53 ERA)

Fiers has done an admirable job filling in since rejoining the club on May 29, striking out 24 and walking just four in 26 innings. He has been extremely effective in two road starts, both wins, giving up two runs on nine hits in 14 innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota. Fiers tossed a perfect inning of relief against Toronto in his last appearance on June 20.

Quintana has been nothing short of phenomenal as a spot starter, giving up just three runs in 20 innings during the month of June. He pitched eight scoreless innings in his last trip to the mound, allowing just five hits and striking out six before Chicago's bullpen failed him in a 2-1 loss against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Quintana lost his last home start against Toronto on June 6.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Brewers have dropped nine of their last 12 Sunday games and are 4-11 in their last 15 interleague road contests.

2. Braun has hit safely in his last 27 interleague games, the longest such streak since interleague play began.

3. Milwaukee placed P Shaun Marcum (right elbow tightness) on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 15. There had been some speculation that Marcum would try to start during this weekend’s series.