Chicago @ Cleveland preview
Progressive Field
Last Meeting ( Sep 26, 2012 ) Cleveland 6, Chi. White Sox 4
The Chicago White Sox have zero margin for error as they enter their final series of the regular season. Chicago needs to sweep the host Cleveland Indians and hope the American League Central-leading Detroit Tigers get swept by Kansas City. A tall order to be certain, but one that the White Sox brought upon themselves after dropping 10 of their last 12. Their series opener is Monday at Progressive Field.
Cleveland had a hand in Chicago's troubles, taking two of three from the White Sox last week. Manager Robin Ventura's charges didn't fare much better in dropping three of four to Tampa Bay over the weekend, capped by Sunday's 6-2 setback. The Indians cruised to a 15-3 rout of the Royals on Sunday, which included a 10-run fifth inning, to post their fifth win in seven outings.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, WCIU (Chicago), STO (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Hector Santiago (3-1, 3.69 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (2-4, 5.02)
Santiago will make just his fourth start of the season when he takes the mound Monday. The 24-year-old was done in by a lack of control in his last outing, issuing four walks in 3 1/3 innings versus Cleveland on Wednesday. Santiago is searching for his first win since Sept. 3.
Kluber tossed seven solid innings in a 4-3 triumph over Chicago on Tuesday. The 26-year-old overcame a pair of solo homers in that outing, but kept the White Sox otherwise in check. Kluber has struggled at home, losing all three decisions in six starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cleveland's Asdrubal Cabrera, who belted a grand slam on Sunday, has collected 12 RBIs in as many games.
2. Chicago's Alex Rios secured his 90th RBI on a fourth-inning single Sunday. Rios went 0-for-3 against Kluber in their last meeting.
3. Should Chicago sweep Cleveland and Kansas City do the same with Detroit, a one-game tiebreaker would take place Thursday at Comerica Park. Aces Chris Sale and Justin Verlander would be in line to square off.