Chicago @ Cleveland preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 20, 2011 ) Chi. White Sox 3, Cleveland 4

THE STORY: The teams battling for second place in the American League Central will have a long day Tuesday as the Chicago White Sox and host Cleveland Indians meet in a day-night doubleheader. The Indians lead the White Sox by 1 1/2 games. Chicago has won nine of the 14 games in the season series.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET WCIU (Chicago), STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Dylan Axelrod (0-0, 2.25 ERA) vs. Indians RH Zach McAllister (0-1, 12.27).

Axelrod had an impressive first major league start against Detroit on Sept. 14. He held the red-hot Tigers to two runs in six innings. Axelrod was in line for the win, but his relievers couldn't hold a late lead. McAllister will be making his third start in the big leagues. The Indians can only hope it's better than his last outing when he allowed 10 runs (eight earned) in 3 1/3 innings against Seattle on Aug. 23.

ABOUT THE WHITE SOX (74-78): Chicago broke a seven-game losing streak Sunday in Kansas City. The entire team has faltered as the season comes to a close, with the pitching staff taking the lead. The White Sox have allowed 61 runs in their last eight games. Chicago has lost nine of its last 12 games, which isn't what anyone expected from a team that was picked to contend in the division.

ABOUT THE INDIANS (75-76): After winning three straight, the Indians had a bad day Monday. An early 3-0 lead against Seattle turned into a 12-6 loss as Cleveland pitchers allowed their fifth grand slam in the last 12 games. It certainly wasn't the way manager Manny Acta wanted his pitching staff to begin a homestand in which the Indians will play nine games in seven days.

FINAL PITCH: After taking an 0-for-20 slump into Saturday, Cleveland shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera is 7-for-9 in the last two games.