The White Sox will be hoping that James Shields can build off his previous start when he takes the mound against the Twins on Wednesday at U.S. Cellular Field.
Shields, who's 0-3 with an 18.73 ERA, a .435 opponents' batting average and a 3.31 WHIP in his last five starts, allowed three runs in five innings for a no-decision his last time out, on June 23 in Boston. That was the fewest runs he's allowed in four starts with Chicago, which acquired him on June 4 in a trade with San Diego.
Despite their series-opening loss, the White Sox hope to keep chipping away within the American League Central.
"I think you just continue to keep doing what you're doing," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said prior to Tuesday's game. "We're playing some defense [and] doing smaller things to help you win, too. It's been nice to see where we were maybe a month ago and what we're doing now."
Right-hander Ricky Nolasco will make his 16th start of the season for the Twins. Nolasco went 6 2/3 innings and allowed four runs on 10 hits and four walks against the Phillies in his last start (June 23).
Nolasco is 1-3 with a 6.29 ERA in six career starts against the White Sox, including a loss on May 6, when he allowed seven runs in five innings.
Three things to know about this game
• Brian Dozier extended his season-high hitting streak to 10 games with a home run -- the first of two on the night -- to lead off the second inning in the opener. His career high is 11 games.
• Former Twins first baseman Justin Morneau, who signed with the White Sox as a free agent this season, is taking batting practice during his recovery from offseason elbow surgery. He's expected to return after the All-Star break.
• Todd Frazier's 21 home runs, which were tied for second-most in the Major Leagues entering Tuesday, were the most in White Sox history by a third baseman prior to the All-Star break.
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