White Sox at Rangers
The Texas Rangers overcame an early four-run deficit to even their three-game set against the visiting Chicago White Sox. They look to avoid their first series loss in a month when they host Sunday's finale.
Texas has gone 4-0-3 in series since losing two of three on the road against the Los Angeles Angels from May 24-26. The club put itself in position to keep its streak going Saturday as it overcame a 4-0 deficit in the first inning to post a 6-5 victory. Nomar Mazara played a major role in the comeback, belting a pair of home runs, and has gone 4-for-8 with three blasts and five RBIs in the first two games of the set. Tim Anderson is riding an eight-game hitting streak for Chicago after finishing a triple shy of the cycle and driving in four runs in Saturday's loss.
TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Ivan Nova (3-5, 6.01 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Adrian Sampson (5-4, 4.40)
After beginning the month by yielding four runs in three consecutive starts, Nova was much better on the road against the crosstown Cubs on Tuesday, allowing one run and four hits in five innings. The 32-year-old Dominican settled for a third straight no-decision but reduced his ERA from 6.28 to the lowest its been since April 13 (5.28). Nova is 3-2 with a 5.11 ERA in seven starts and one relief appearance against Texas in his career.
Sampson allowed one earned run four times while winning five straight starts from May 17-June 8 but has struggled in his last two turns. The 27-year-old native of Washington escaped with a no-decision in Boston after surrendering six runs and seven hits (four homers) over five innings June 13 before suffering a loss against Cleveland on Tuesday, when he yielded five runs - three earned - and six hits in three frames. Sampson will be facing the White Sox for the first time.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rangers OF Willie Calhoun enters Sunday having hit safely in 10 of his 12 games this season, including each of the last five.
2. Chicago 3B Yoan Moncada has gone 5-for-13 with three doubles and a triple over his last three contests.
3. Texas SS Elvis Andrus has recorded two hits in three of his last four games.