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White Sox-Indians Preview

Apr 17, 2010 - 4:03 PM By KATE HEDLIN STATS Writer

Chicago (4-7) at Cleveland (4-6), 4:10 p.m. EDT

Jake Peavy began the season with high expectations, but has so far fallen short.

On Saturday, Peavy will try again for his first win of 2010 when he makes his second start against the Cleveland Indians, who look to win their fourth straight over the Chicago White Sox.

Chicago (4-7) acquired Peavy (0-0, 8.44 ERA) from San Diego before last season's trade deadline, and he went 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA over the final two weeks after coming back from an ankle injury. It was anticipated that he would carry over that success, but has instead struggled in his first two outings.

On Monday against Toronto, the right-hander gave up seven runs, eight hits - including two home runs - and issued three walks over 5 2/3 innings of the White Sox's 8-7, 11-inning victory.

The right-hander told the White Sox's official website that he worked on his mechanics during an earlier bullpen session, saying that he's had difficulty locating his fastball. However, he's optimistic that things will start turning around soon.

"Things are getting better," he said. "I had a good bullpen session and I'm excited about Saturday in Cleveland."

Peavy gave up three runs in five innings, hitting two batters and walking two in a 5-3 loss to the Indians (4-6) on April 7. His only career win against the Indians came seven years ago in Cleveland while with the Padres.

Since winning in the season opener, the White Sox have dropped three straight to Cleveland including a 6-2 setback Friday.

Luis Valbuena hit a two-run homer off Mark Buehrle, who suffered his first loss, while Mitch Talbot pitched a six-hitter for his first career win in his second major-league start.

Talbot's outing followed a complete game victory by David Huff over Texas on Thursday.

"He never got in trouble with the walks," manager Manny Acta told the Indians' official website. "We've only had one walk in the last 18 innings. We needed that."

Talbot also got some help from shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, who had a run-scoring double. He is batting .353 against the White Sox this season compared to .185 in six games against Detroit and Texas. Cabrera was 2 for 4 with a walk against Peavy earlier this month.

Jake Westbrook (0-1, 7.45) gets the start for the Indians in his first game at Progressive Field since May 28, 2008 - coincidentally against Chicago. He missed all of last season while recovering from right elbow surgery.

He went 5 2/3 innings against Detroit on Sunday, allowing three runs and nine hits in a 9-8 loss. Westbrook has lost four straight decisions to the White Sox, falling 6-0 at Chicago on opening day.

Paul Konerko hit his fourth homer for Chicago on Friday, and is hitting .317 against Westbrook with four doubles and three home runs. He finished with two hits Friday after going 0 for 12 with two strikeouts in his previous three games.