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Angels-White Sox Preview

May 20, 2010 - 4:41 AM By JEFF MEZYDLO STATS Senior Writer

Los Angeles (18-23) at Chicago (16-22), 8:10 p.m. EDT

The Chicago White Sox have struggled at the plate this season. That hasn't been the case, however, with Jake Peavy on the mound of late.

The right-hander hopes for some continued support while trying for his fourth consecutive victory Thursday night as the White Sox look to split their two-game home series with the Los Angeles Angels.

Peavy (3-2, 5.37 ERA) was originally scheduled to pitch Friday against Florida, but manager Ozzie Guillen decided to move him up to avoid left-handers John Danks and Mark Buehrle pitching consecutive games against the same team.

Since going 0-2 with a 7.85 ERA in his first five starts, Peavy is 3-0 with a 2.31 ERA in May.

"Now, I just have to maintain this and keep putting together quality starts - just have a season starting from May on," Peavy told the White Sox official website.

In order to do that, he'll likely need continued support from his teammates.

Though the White Sox (16-23) rank near the bottom of the majors in runs (160) and batting average (.230), they've averaged 5.7 runs during Peavy's last three starts.

"Those are gratifying wins," said Peavy, who allowed four runs in 8 1-3 innings of a 5-4 win at Kansas City on Saturday.

In his only start against the Angels, Peavy allowed three runs in eight innings of a 3-2 loss June 17, 2006, while with San Diego.

Danks got little support in 7 2-3 innings of Wednesday's 3-2 loss to Los Angeles (19-23). Juan Pierre had two hits and Paul Konerko hit his major league-leading 14th home run, but Chicago fell to 1-18 when scoring three or fewer runs.

The loss came hours after general manager Kenny Williams met with the club to discuss the state of the team as a whole.

"Yes, I am impatient. Yes, I am frustrated," said Williams, who's team is 7 1/2 games out of first place in the AL Central. "But yes, I do remain confident that this team is the one that can still challenge for the division championship. And hopefully beyond."

Konerko is 4 for 6 in his last two games against Los Angeles, but 4 for 19 against scheduled starter Ervin Santana (2-3, 4.25).

After Joe Saunders allowed a run in 7 2-3 innings to help the Angels avoid a third straight loss Wednesday, Santana looks to build on his first victory since April 18. The right-hander gave up three runs and struck out six in six innings of a 12-3 win over Oakland on Saturday.

"It's very comfortable when you get run support," Santana told the Angels' official website. "You get more confident, more comfortable."

Santana is 3-2 with a 5.18 ERA in eight starts versus the White Sox.

Torii Hunter homered for the third time in as many games, a two-run shot for one of Los Angeles' three hits Wednesday.

"Actually, if I could go to the casino now, I think I'd hit jackpot," Hunter said of his power surge.

Hunter is batting .370 with three home runs and eight RBIs in his last eight games against Chicago.