Detroit @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 11, 2012 ) Detroit 5, Chi. White Sox 3

Max Scherzer had nowhere to go but up after coming out of his season-opening start with a 23.62 ERA, but the hard-throwing right-hander is pitching as if he wants to make sure the Cy Young Award remains in Detroit for another year. Scherzer seeks his sixth consecutive victory when the Tigers face the host Chicago White Sox in the third of a four-game series Wednesday night. Detroit's offense finally came to life in Tuesday's 5-3 win that snapped a four-game losing streak.

The White Sox have lost 11 of 16 meetings with the Tigers this season but still maintain a two-game lead over Detroit atop the American League Central. Chicago has hit five home runs in the series but remains without slugger Adam Dunn, who has missed five games with a strained right oblique that has left him sitting on 38 homers since Aug. 27. Gordon Beckham has gone deep in back-to-back games, giving him a career-high 15 blasts.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Detroit, CSN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Max Scherzer (15-6, 3.85 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Gavin Floyd (9-9, 4.55)

Scherzer had his string of five consecutive winning starts interrupted when he settled for a no-decision last time out, allowing two runs on five hits in eight innings against the Los Angeles Angels. He has fanned at least eight batters in 10 consecutive starts and leads teammate Justin Verlander by one (213 to 212) for the major league league in strikeouts. Scherzer has yielded only six runs in his last six outings.

Floyd will come off the disabled list to make his first start since Aug. 26. He was diagnosed with a right elbow flexor strain after pitching only two innings in his last start. The White Sox were eager to bring Floyd back due to his history of success against Detroit - he's 7-2 with a 3.42 ERA against the Tigers in 19 career starts. Floyd has also logged a 7-3 record and 4.68 ERA in 15 starts at U.S. Cellular Field.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers 3B Miguel Cabrera went deep Tuesday, giving him 175 homers in five seasons with Detroit.

2. White Sox LHP Donnie Veal has retired 20 consecutive left-handed batters. He has allowed one run on two hits in 15 appearances.

3. Tigers CF Austin Jackson's two-run homer Tuesday ended a 22-game drought without an RBI.