If the Chicago White Sox can defeat the Detroit Tigers on Sunday afternoon they'll take two of three from the presumptive in the AL Central. Maybe more importantly, they'll also move ahead of the Tigers in the division standings, at least temporarily. It's still very early in the season, obviously, but it would be an unexpected position for a White Sox team that many saw as finishing last in the division.
On the hill for the White Sox will be rookie Dylan Axelrod, who has made two appearances out of the bullpen this season but will make the start today as the White Sox look to plug the hole in the rotation left by Chris Sale's move back to the bullpen. Axelrod has yet to make a start this season, but in three September starts last year, he gave up only six runs in 16.2 innings pitched. In his first start of 2011, he faced the Tigers and struck out eight in six innings.
Detroit will counter with Rick Porcello, who has been inconsistent this season but has already thrown a gem in 2012 vs. the White Sox. On April 15 in Chicago, Porcello held the White Sox to a single run and five hits in 7.2 innings pitched in what was a 5-2 Tigers victory.
Game date/time: Sunday, May 6, 2012, 12:05 p.m. CT
Location: Comerica Park, Detroit, Mich.
TV: CSN Chicago
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