Kansas City @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 5, 2011 ) Kansas City 5, Chi. White Sox 3

THE STORY: The Chicago White Sox just can't seem to secure a winning record. The Kansas City Royals provided the roadblock this time around as the American League Central cellar-dwellers posted a 5-3 victory in Chicago on Tuesday. The loss kept the White Sox below .500, a spot they've been in since winning seven of their first 13 games of the season. For the record, that was April 15. Edwin Jackson will look to help Chicago level its mark once again when it vies for the series victory on Wednesday afternoon at U.S. Cellular Field. Kansas City has won two of its last three after losing 11 of 13.

TV: 2:10 ET, FSKC (Kansas City), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Bruce Chen (4-2, 3.46 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Edwin Jackson (5-6, 4.24 ERA)

Chen has yielded four runs in each of his last two outings since returning from the disabled list with a strained back muscle. On Wednesday, the 31-year-old Panama native dropped a 4-1 decision to the San Diego Padres, although all four runs were unearned due to a missed popup. Chen did manage to strike out six in as many innings in the contest. He is 0-3 in his career against the White Sox, who are one of three teams that the hurler has not defeated in his career. The Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves are the others.

Jackson allowed four runs for the second time in three games, but walked away with the victory in his last start. In his previous start, the 27-year-old tossed seven scoreless innings in a no-decision. Go figure. Jackson is 3-4 with a gaudy 5.77 ERA in his career against Kansas City.

ABOUT THE ROYALS (35-51): Matt Treanor's two-run single ended a tie in the sixth inning on Tuesday as Kansas City snapped a nine-game skid to American League Central rivals with the victory. After sitting out Monday's game with a bruised left knee, All-Star hopeful Alex Gordon returned to action - although he probably wishes he didn't. He went 0-for-5 with four strikeouts on Tuesday. Gordon hasn't fared against Jackson, going 2-for-14 in his career with three strikeouts. Righthander Joakim Soria recorded his first save since June 26 after working out of a jam on Tuesday. He put two runners on base before getting the third out for his 14th save of the season.

ABOUT THE WHITE SOX (43-44): Although he has posted stellar numbers throughout the season, Paul Konerko is making his case for inclusion in the upcoming All-Star Game. Konerko, who is on the final vote ballot, is 5-for-9 with a homer and two RBIs in this series. Konerko may be able to keep his hot hand going on Wednesday. He is 6-for-17 in his career with two homers and four RBIs against Chen. A.J. Pierzynski, who matched Konerko with three hits on Tuesday, is 8-for-15 against Chen. Struggling outfielder Alex Rios, who is mired in a 3-for-29 slump, did not play in Tuesday's contest.

FINAL PITCH: "I think we struggle with people on base. We need to get big hits. In the American League, you need to get big hits in the clutch. If not, you’re not going to win many games because the pitching staffs are so good." - Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen, after watching his team leave 13 men on base.