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Athletics-White Sox Preview

Jul 30, 2010 - 6:22 PM By ALAN FERGUSON STATS Writer

Oakland (51-50) at Chicago (57-44), 8:10 p.m. EDT

Last weekend, the Oakland Athletics became one of the few teams in recent weeks to get the best of the red-hot Chicago White Sox.

When the teams meet again Friday night, it'll be at U.S. Cellular Field - where the White Sox have been unbeatable lately.

Chicago will try to add to its longest home win streak in 21 years in the opener of a three-game series with the Athletics.

The White Sox (57-44) are a major league-best 33-11 since June 8, but the A's took two of three from the AL Central leaders in Oakland last weekend.

Chicago returned home and rebounded to sweep Seattle in four games, extending its win streak at U.S. Cellular to 11 - the franchise's longest at home since a 13-game run July 1-Aug. 5, 1989, at the old Comiskey Park.

Backup catcher Ramon Castro homered twice for the second time in his career, and Paul Konerko connected for the fourth time in as many games during Thursday night's 9-5 victory - also the 18th in 19 home games for the White Sox.

"We can't say, 'Hey, we're going to run the table.' We know we'll lose some more games at home," Konerko said. "There are no guarantees, but we're having fun with it."

The White Sox were to have Daniel Hudson on the mound in the opener but he was traded Friday with a pitching prospect to Arizona for right-hander Edwin Jackson, who tossed a no-hitter June 25 against Tampa Bay.

That opens the door for Lucas Harrell to make his major league debut, according to the White Sox's official website. The 25-year-old right-hander, a fourth-round pick by Chicago in the 2004 draft, was 9-9 with a 4.24 ERA in 22 starts with Triple-A Charlotte this year.

He will face an Oakland team that's cooled somewhat after winning nine of 11. The A's (51-50), second in the AL West, opened a six-game road trip by dropping two of three to division-leading Texas, including a 7-4 loss Thursday night.

Left-hander Brett Anderson (2-1, 2.35) will try to help his team get back on track as he returns from his second stint on the disabled list in 2010. Inflammation in his pitching elbow has limited Anderson to two starts since April 24, but he's optimistic for this return.

"I think the longer rehab strengthened my arm more this time," he told the A's official website. "I feel good about where I am right now, and I'm ready to help the team."

Anderson won his only previous start in Chicago, a 7-0 victory June 4, 2009, when he scattered six hits over seven innings.

The A's appear unlikely to have closer Andrew Bailey available for this series. Bailey, who missed the Texas series due to back spasms, experienced discomfort during a throwing session Thursday. Craig Breslow saved Wednesday's 3-1 win in his absence.

Oakland won four of six road meetings with the White Sox last season.