Minnesota @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 9, 2011 ) Minnesota 3, Chi. White Sox 4

THE STORY: After a thrilling walk-off win Saturday, the Chicago White Sox look to build some more momentum heading into the All-Star break when they host the Minnesota Twins in the final game of a four-game series Sunday afternoon. Chicago had lost nine straight games to the Twins dating back to last season, including the first two games of this series, before prevailing on a two-out RBI single by Alexei Ramirez in the ninth inning.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), CSN Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Anthony Swarzak (1-2, 3.71 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Jake Peavy (4-2, 4.83).

Swarzak has been inconsistent out of the bullpen since being called up in late April, but was excellent in his last two spot starts May 28 and June 2, allowing only two runs and eight hits in 14 innings of work. He is 1-0 with a 3.24 ERA in three games (one start) on the road this season, and has also fared well during the day (three appearances, 5 1/3 innings, one earned run), though all of that work came in relief. This will be Swarzak's first career appearance against the White Sox. Since making a brilliant four-inning relief appearance (one hit) in a June 25 win over Washington, Peavy has been off his game, surrendering nine earned runs in 12 innings. He took a loss in his last outing July 5 against Kansas City after giving up five runs on six hits in six innings. In two career starts against Minnesota, Peavy has yet to earn a decision but has pitched well, posting a 2.84 ERA and striking out 11 in 12 2/3 innings. Current Twins are a combined 3-for-14 against him.

ABOUT THE TWINS (40-48): Minnesota has won eight of its last 11, but has failed to climb into contention in the American League Central largely because of an anemic offense. Injuries have played a key part in the Twins' struggles, with Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Jason Kubel and designated hitter Jim Thome all missing extended stretches of time. The pitching has been nearly as inconsistent, particularly the bullpen. Closer Matt Capps (4.54 ERA) has six of the team's 14 blown saves. One bright spot has been righthander Scott Baker, who leads the rotation with a 3.01 ERA.

ABOUT THE WHITE SOX (44-47): Chicago boasts one of the most powerful lineups in the major leagues, but has struggled to get consistent production from anyone other than All-Star Paul Konerko (.317, 22 HRs, 66 RBIs). Ramirez (.277, 40 RBIs) and Carlos Quentin (17 HR, 51 RBIs) have had their moments, but designated hitter Adam Dunn (.162, 115 strikeouts) has had problems all season. A deep starting pitching rotation has been led by righthander Philip Humber (8-5, 3.10) and lefthander Mark Buehrle (6-5, 3.42).

FINAL PITCH: The White Sox will be without catcher Ramon Castro, who suffered a broken right hand in the eighth inning Saturday.