Chicago @ Detroit preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 21, 2012 ) Chi. White Sox 1, Detroit 7

The Detroit Tigers have surged all the way back into first place in the American League Central by dominating the Chicago White Sox with their starting pitching. Justin Verlander and Rick Porcello each turned in strong efforts in the first two games of the series, leading the Tigers to a half-game lead over the White Sox. Chicago will try to regain the lead and avoid a sweep when it sends Philip Humber to the mound in Sunday’s finale.

The Tigers have won four straight overall and 12 of their last 14 to move from three games under .500 into the top spot. While the offense has done its part, it is the pitching that has led the way with an average of 3.5 runs allowed. That number has dropped to an even more impressive 1.5 over the last four contests. The White Sox led the Central by 4 ½ games on July 3 but have lost four straight and six of eight. Chicago has been held to a total of five runs in the last four contests.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, CSN (Chicago), FSD (Detroit)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Philip Humber (4-4, 5.77 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Jacob Turner (0-1, 10.29)

Humber has earned the win in his last two starts and was sharp at Boston on Tuesday, allowing two runs on six hits in six innings. That broke a string of three straight turns allowing four runs or more. Humber spent a month on the disabled list before returning against the Red Sox but should have no restrictions on Sunday. He is 1-1 with a 3.27 ERA in three games - one start - against the Tigers.

Turner is still searching for his first major-league win. The former top prospect was recalled earlier this week and was lit up on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels, allowing seven runs and six hits - including three homers - in just two innings. Turner has never faced the White Sox in any of his five previous big-league outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The White Sox completed a trade with the Houston Astros on Saturday, sending two minor leaguers and a player to be named away in exchange for veteran RHP Brett Myers. He will be used in a setup role with Chicago.

2. Detroit pitchers have allowed five or less hits in four consecutive contests.

3. Tigers CF Austin Jackson has five RBIs in the series after managing one in eight previous games.