Chicago @ Detroit preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 30, 2014 ) Chi. White Sox 2, Detroit 7

After locating their missing offense in a four-pitch sequence, the Detroit Tigers vie for a series victory when they conclude their three-game set versus the Chicago White Sox on Thursday afternoon. Detroit answered Chicago's big inning in the series opener with one of its own on Wednesday as it erupted for six runs in the first en route to a 7-2 triumph. Nick Castellanos looks to follow up his career-high four-RBI performance when he faces John Danks, against whom he is 3-for-5 in his career.

Speaking of strong work at the plate, Chicago rookie Jose Abreu extended his hitting streak to 19 games with a single in the seventh inning on Wednesday and has hit safely in 37 of his last 38 contests. The Cuban All-Star also has fared well versus the Tigers, going 15-for-44 in 11 contests this season. Included in the latter stretch is a 1-for-3 effort with a two-run homer against Thursday starter Drew Smyly on April 23.

TV: 1:08 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FSN Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH John Danks (9-6, 4.40 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Drew Smyly (6-9, 3.77)

Danks improved to 3-0 in his last six outings after allowing four runs in seven innings en route to a 9-5 win over Minnesota on Friday. The 29-year-old traditionally has struggled versus Detroit, going 6-10 against the division rival, but has posted two victories in as many outings this season. Danks permitted one run in 6 1/3 innings of a 3-1 triumph on April 21 before yielding two runs over seven frames in an 8-2 victory on June 11.

Smyly saw his modest two-game winning streak come to a halt despite striking out a career-high 11 in 5 2/3 innings of a 2-1 setback to the Los Angeles Angels on Friday. The 25-year-old has yet to record a decision against the White Sox in 10 career appearances (three starts). Smyly settled for a no-decision on April 23 after yielding two runs on six hits in as many frames of Detroit's 6-4 loss.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago DH-1B Adam Dunn has homered in consecutive contests and four times this season versus Detroit.

2. Tigers OF Torii Hunter, who collected three hits on Wednesday, is 30-for-85 (.353) in July and 15-for-49 (.306) lifetime versus Danks.

3. Detroit All-Star 1B Miguel Cabrera is 4-for-8 with two runs scored in the series.

PREDICTION: Tigers 3, White Sox 2