• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers
• Game Tracker

Twins, White Sox meet again in Chicago

Aug 2, 2014 - 3:11 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - American League Central rivals will collide once again on Saturday with the Minnesota Twins continuing a visit with the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field.

These teams participated in a back-and-forth game on Friday to begin this three-game set and the White Sox ultimately won 10-8.

Chicago put up two runs in the second, but Minnesota answered in the top of the third, scoring five runs, powered by a two-run double from Kennys Vargas.

The White Sox clawed their way back, scoring runs in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth innings to take a 6-5 lead.

The Twins got an RBI single from Kurt Suzuki in the seventh and a home run from Chris Parmelee in the eighth to reclaim the advantage.

In the bottom half of the eighth inning the White Sox struck for four runs on RBI singles from Paul Konerko, Alexei Ramirez, Tyler Flowers and Alejandro De Aza.

The Twins nearly overcame the 10-7 deficit in the ninth inning, but could only get a single run after loading the bases with no outs.

Javy Guerra got the final two outs in the eighth inning to pick up the win for Chicago, which has won three of its last four. White Sox ace Chris Sale was saved by his offense, as he allowed five runs, four earned, over six innings of work. Even with such a poor effort, Sale's ERA on the season is still a sparkling 2.09.

Casey Fien gave up all four runs in the eighth inning to take the loss for Minnesota. The Twins have lost three straight and six of their last eight, including a 1-3 showing in a four-game set against the White Sox last weekend.

Rookie right-hander Yohan Pino will make his eighth career start for the Twins in Saturday's duel.

The 30-year-old Pino had a long road to the majors. He was signed as an amateur free agent in 2004, but it was not until June 19 of this season that he made his MLB debut. In that contest he allowed two runs and struck out seven in seven innings against the same White Sox club he faces on Saturday. He also pitched against the White Sox in his last start, when he allowed two runs and struck out six over six innings on work last Sunday.

Now a fixture in a weak Twins rotation, Pino has been solid (1-3, 4.38 ERA), although not exactly dominant.

Another older rookie will be taking the mound on the other side, as Scott Carroll pitches for the White Sox.

Carroll, who turned 29 earlier this year, is in his first season at the major league level. He has been used as a spot starter and a reliever, amassing 79 2/3 innings of work over 17 total appearances. In 11 starts he is 3-6 with a 5.10 ERA. He has had more success as a reliever, with a 1.83 ERA in six outings from the bullpen.

This will be the second time this week these two pitchers face off, as Carroll also opposed Pino last Sunday. Carroll had the better outing, allowing just one run over six innings, but the White Sox ended up with the 4-3 victory. Carroll also pitched against Minnesota as a reliever on June 21. He pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings in a 4-3 loss for the Twins.