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White Sox Vs. Tigers Preview: AL Central Rivals Begin Four-Game Set With Division Title Up For Grabs

The Tigers and White Sox begin a four-game set in Chicago Monday with huge playoff implications on the line

September 04, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana (62) pitches against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-US PRESSWIRE
September 04, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana (62) pitches against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-US PRESSWIRE

The Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers begin a four-game series in Chicago Monday seperated by only two games in the AL Central.

Jose Quintana (5-4, 3.68) takes the mound for the White Sox in the opener, and he has struggled of late. Over his past five innings, which covers two starts, Quintana allowed 12 runs on 12 hits and raised his season long ERA from 2.86 to 3.68. The 23 year-old Quintana looks to turn it around against Detroit, a team he has yet to face this season.

The Tigers also trot out a young starting pitcher in 23 year-old Rick Porcello (9-11, 4.58). Porcello has lost his last five starts, however, he did not allow more than four runs in any of those starts. He last faced the White Sox on Jul. 21, a game in which he dominated, allowing only one run on five hits in eight innings.

The White Sox presently hold a two-game lead over the Tigers in the AL Central. Detroit has taken advantage of their matchups with Chicago, winnnig the last six games against the White Sox. At the conclusion of their latest sweep Sept. 2, Detroit had climbed into a tie atop the AL Central, but losing five of six from that point has since dropped the Tigers out of that top spot. This is the last meeting between these two teams this season.

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