AL Central Division rivals will clash on Thursday afternoon, when the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins complete their series from Target Field. Last night, SP Hector Santiago (2-2) allowed two runs over five frames to lead Chicago to a 5-2 victory. Tim Anderson drove in three runs for the White Sox, who are 19 games below .500 overall.
Veteran right-hander James Shields (1-6 4.48 ERA) has pitched better than his record would indicate for the White Sox. Through 76 plus innings, Shields has allowed just seven long balls and owns a 1.26 WHIP.
The Minnesota Twins took the series opener against the White Sox, but must be disappointed after dropping consecutive games. SP Jake Odorizzi (3-3) struck out seven batters over five frames and took the loss. The Twins are six games below .500 overall and trail Cleveland by five games for the AL Central Division lead.
Twenty-four year old righty Jose Berrios (6-5 3.86 ERA) has elite talent and could be an All-Star in years to come. Through 74 plus innings, Berrios has fanned 74 batters and sports a sparkling 0.95 WHIP.