Oakland @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 25, 2012 ) Chi. White Sox 4, Oakland 5

Despite losing its last two games, Chicago comes into the weekend with a one-game lead over Detroit in the American League Central division. Oakland, meanwhile, is 5 1/2 games back of Texas in the AL West but finds itself tied with Baltimore atop the league’s wild-card standings. The Athletics took two of three games from the White Sox in late April, with the two clubs trading shutouts before Oakland capped the series with a 14-inning triumph.

The key to Oakland’s success has been a pitching staff that ranks fifth in the major leagues in ERA and has allowed fewer runs than any team in the American League. Brandon McCarthy, returning Friday after being sidelined for a month and a half with shoulder trouble, leads the rotation with a 2.54 ERA. Chicago has gotten solid starting pitching as well but also has four players with at least 18 home runs, including major-league leader Adam Dunn.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, Comcast Sports California (Oakland), Comcast Sports (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Brandon McCarthy (6-3, 2.54 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Gavin Floyd (8-9, 4.43)

McCarthy had been on a roll before his injury, going 6-0 over his last seven starts and allowing just 12 runs over his last 53 innings. His final start was a work of art that saw him give up just two hits in seven shutout innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers. McCarthy has split his two career starts against Chicago, posting a 3.00 ERA while striking out nine and walking two.

Floyd had given up just three earned runs in 20 1/3 innings before struggling in a no-decision against the Los Angeles Angels on Aug. 4 (6 1/3 IP, 8 H, 5 ER). He had been pitching well at home before that, winning three straight starts while posting a 0.90 ERA. Floyd lost at Oakland on April 24 but is still 3-2 with a 2.17 ERA in eight lifetime outings against the Athletics.

WALK-OFFS

1. The surging Athletics are 23-9 in their last 32 games overall and have won 22 of their last 28 against right-handed starters.

2. Oakland hitters are batting .213 (17-for-80) against Floyd, led by Coco Crisp (4-for-9) and Brandon Inge (6-for-24, HR, 4 RBIs, 5 BB). Josh Reddick is hitless in nine at-bats, striking out three times.

3. The White Sox are a combined 6-for-42 (.143) against McCarthy, with Alex Rios (1-for-13) and Kevin Youkilis (1-for-11) having the most trouble. Paul Konerko (2-for-4) is the only Chicago player with more than one hit.