Chicago @ Cleveland preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 23, 2011 ) Chi. White Sox 0, Cleveland 0

THE STORY: The Chicago White Sox have had little success against the American League Central, except when they play the Cleveland Indians. Friday's 3-0 triumph was Chicago's fifth in six games against Cleveland. The teams conclude their abbreviated two-game series at Cleveland on Sunday after Saturday's game was postponed because of rain. The third-place White Sox are 7-18 against the rest of the division. Carlos Quentin, who hit a three-run homer Friday, has enjoyed playing against the Indians more than anyone. He is batting .500 (11-for-22) with three homers and 12 RBIs in six games. The Indians trail Detroit by one game, while the White Sox are 4 1/2 back.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, CS Chicago, WKYC 3, STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Edwin Jackson (6-7, 3.97 ERA) vs. Indians RH Justin Masterson (8-6, 2.64).

When Jackson faces the Indians, his team usually wins. He's 8-1 with a 2.70 ERA in 13 games (12 starts) versus Cleveland. Jackson, whose career stops have included Tampa Bay and Detroit, is 4-0 with a 1.74 ERA in seven games (six starts) at Progressive Field. He pitched his third career shutout in his last start against Detroit. Masterson was brilliant in his last start, holding the Twins scoreless in 7 2/3 innings, but Chris Perez couldn't hold the lead in the ninth inning. A lack of run support has been a problem all season. Masterson has a 1.75 ERA in his last nine starts, but only a 3-2 record. He is 2-3 with a 2.09 ERA in his career against Chicago.

ABOUT THE INDIANS (51-47): Friday's lineup reinforced manager Manny Acta's notion that it's an understatement the Indians need to add a hitter before the trade deadline. Rookies Lonnie Chisenhall, Ezequiel Carrera and Jason Kipnis, who all began the season at Triple-A Columbus, started against Chicago. Chisenhall has been in the majors for less than a month, Carrera was called up during the All-Star break and Kipnis was making his big-league debut. This is usually the sign of a team that's rebuilding, but the Indians are fighting for a division title.

ABOUT THE WHITE SOX (48-51): Ozzie Guillen isn't sure what to make of his team. Given the fact July is almost over, that's not a good thing. The White Sox manager thinks his team is better than it's shown, but that might be more wishful thinking than reality. Adam Dunn (.163, 125 strikeouts in 289 at-bats) and Alex Rios (.209, 23 RBIs in 349 at-bats) have been high-priced busts. It's doubtful the White Sox can win the division if the two don't start producing, but it's reaching the point where it will be difficult for either to pull out of season-long slumps.

FINAL PITCH: Friday began a tough stretch for the White Sox in which they will play 13 straight games against Cleveland, Detroit, Boston and New York.