Chicago @ Colorado preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 29, 2011 ) Chi. White Sox 3, Colorado 2

THE STORY: The Chicago White Sox didn’t erupt offensively on Wednesday, but it was a start. After hitting .171 with runners in scoring position over the previous 14 games, Chicago came up with timely hitting in a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies that evened the series. Thursday’s rubber game in Denver should be a favorable matchup as Rockies starter Aaron Cook is floundering. Meanwhile, the White Sox trot out Jake Peavy, who is beginning to show signs of his former dominance.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, Root Sports (Colorado), CSN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Aaron Cook (0-3, 5.48 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Jake Peavy (4-1, 4.23). In four starts since returning from shoulder and finger injuries, Cook hasn’t established command of his sinker. He might need a strong outing to stay in the rotation. He has a high 1.74 WHIP after giving up 12 hits, including four doubles, in Saturday’s loss to the Yankees. Peavy is coming off his first career relief appearance, four scoreless innings Saturday against Washington. His average fastball was 93 miles per hour and he struck out seven. Though he has been on the disabled list twice this season with shoulder problems, Peavy says his arm feels strong.

ABOUT THE ROCKIES (39-41): Colorado had a golden chance to get to .500 Wednesday, but Ty Wiggington, who had homered in his previous at-bat, grounded into a double play with the bases loaded in the eighth inning and the game tied 2-2. Thus the Rockies wasted a strong outing from Ubaldo Jimenez (3-2, 2.45 ERA in June), who has turned around his season. Overall, though, Wiggington is on a roll. He has homered six times in the past seven games.

ABOUT THE WHITE SOX (39-42): Cleanup hitter Paul Konerko busted out of his 3-for-20 slump by going 2-for-3 with a walk and RBI on Wednesday. His 61 RBIs rank sixth in the majors. The White Sox responded well to manager Ozzie Guillen’s benching of Alex Rios for not hustling Tuesday. The voluble manager called it a message to the entire team, saying, “You don’t run the bases, you’re out of the game.”

FINAL PITCH: Rockies first baseman Todd Helton, who had the day off Wednesday, is expected to start Thursday. It will be his 2,000th career game. … Colorado has left the door open for Russell Wilson, the minor-league second baseman who transferred from North Carolina State to Wisconsin to play quarterback, to return to the organization next spring.