The Detroit Tigers were the consensus preseason pick to run away with the AL Central, and many prognosticators had the Chicago White Sox in the division's basement, but when the two teams take the field in Chicago on Sunday, it's the South Siders that will be looking for the sweep. The Tigers offense, which bashed the pitching staffs of the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays, has been all but shut down by the White Sox, and Chris Sale will be tasked with keeping that going in the series' final game.
Sale, the converted reliever, was very solid in his first major league start against the Cleveland Indians last week, giving up three hits and only one earned run over 6.2 innings. The Tigers offense is a step up from that of the Indians, though, and manager Jim Leyland figures to pack the line up with right handed batters, and the start will be a good test for Sale.
The Tigers are countering with Rick Porcello, the young right hander who threw a gem vs. the Rays in his opening start, going seven innings and only allowing two earned runs. For his career, Porcello has faced the White Sox seven times, posting a 6.91ERA in 41.2 innings.
Game time/date: Sunday, April 15, 1:10 p.m. CT
Location: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Ill.
Starting Pitchers: Chris Sale (1-0, 1.35 ERA), Rick Porcello (0-0, 2.57 ERA)
TV: WGN
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