Texas @ Chicago preview

Texas at Chi. White Sox

Last Meeting ( Jul 3, 2012 ) Texas 2, Chi. White Sox 19

The Chicago White Sox look to continue their offensive surge Wednesday when they host the Texas Rangers in the middle game of the three-game series between the division leaders. Chicago, which owns a two-game lead over Cleveland in the American League Central, erupted for 21 hits in a 19-2 victory in the series opener on Tuesday. The win was the third in a row at home for the White Sox, who are still just 20-21 at U.S. Cellular Field.

Chicago, which has won five of seven overall, will take on a Texas team that has lost two straight following a five-game winning streak. The Rangers, who are five games ahead of the Los Angeles Angels in the AL West, had captured four in a row on the road prior to Tuesday's beating. Texas is 50-31, the best record through 81 games in club history.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), CSN (Chicago), ESPN

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Scott Feldman (2-6, 6.13 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Dylan Axelrod (0-1, 4.50)

Feldman is seeking his third straight victory after losing six in a row. The 29-year-old lasted just five innings in his most recent outing, allowing four runs and nine hits in a win over Oakland. Feldman, who is 1-3 with an 8.06 ERA in seven road games - four starts - this season, is 2-2 with a 4.95 ERA in 11 career contests - five starts - against Chicago.

After two relief appearances, Axelrod will be making his fourth consecutive start. The 26-year-old settled for a no-decision against the Yankees in New York on Thursday after yielding two runs over seven innings. Axelrod struggled in his first start of the year at U.S. Cellular Field on June 23, surrendering five runs over 5 1/3 frames of a no-decision against Milwaukee.

WALK-OFFS

1. The 19 runs on Tuesday was the highest total by the White Sox since June 20, 2006, when they posted a 20-6 victory over St. Louis.

2. Chicago DH Adam Dunn hit his 25th home run on Tuesday, tying Texas' Josh Hamilton for the second-most in the majors. They trail Toronto's Jose Bautista by two blasts.

3. White Sox 1B Kevin Youkilis homered for the first time in eight games since being acquired from Boston.