Chicago @ Baltimore preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 27, 2012 ) Chi. White Sox 3, Baltimore 4

The Baltimore Orioles’ season has been defined by unexpected contributions from up and down the roster and players stepping up with the game on the line. Even Lew Ford and Nate McLouth are getting into the act. The Chicago White Sox have had a similar unlikely ascent to contention but at least have several big names to fall back on in a pinch. The Orioles will be looking to clinch a series win over the White Sox on Tuesday.

McLouth recorded his first three-RBI game since joining the Orioles on Monday, when his two-run homer in the eighth inning proved to be the difference in the 4-3 triumph. The only other RBI came from Ford, who hit his first major league homer since 2007. Baltimore is tied for the lead in the American League wild card race. The White Sox had their six-game winning streak come to an end Monday but still sit two games clear of the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central. Kevin Youkilis hit a two-run homer for Chicago on Monday and has driven in at least one run in five of the last six games.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, CS Chicago, MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Chris Sale (15-4, 2.65 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Chris Tillman (6-2, 3.71)

Sale kept his Cy Young candidacy alive with a stellar outing against the New York Yankees last week, striking out 13 while allowing one run on three hits in 7 2/3 innings to earn the win. The 23-year old left-hander has struggled a tad keeping the ball in the park of late, allowing at least one home run in each of his last six starts. Sale has never started against the Orioles but has allowed a total of three runs in 5 1/3 innings over six relief appearances.

Tillman bounced back from a pair of poor starts with a win at Texas last Tuesday, allowing three runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings. The 24-year-old matched a season high with seven strikeouts in that game but was reached for a pair of home runs. He will be starting on extended rest after his scheduled start Sunday was rained out. Tillman has made two starts against Chicago in his career, going 1-1 with an 8.22 ERA and five walks in 7 2/3 total innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Orioles have won a franchise-record 13 straight one-run games.

2. White Sox RHP Gavin Floyd (elbow) will be skipped in his next start. An MRI performed Monday revealed no structural damage.

3. Baltimore LHP Joe Saunders is expected to be added to the roster Tuesday and will make his first start for the team either Wednesday or Thursday.