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Royals-White Sox Preview

Sep 12, 2010 - 4:59 AM By KATE HEDLIN STATS Writer

Kansas City (57-83) at Chicago (78-63), 2:05 p.m. EDT

The White Sox's struggles at the plate couldn't come at a worse time.

Slumping Chicago looks to bounce back after an ugly loss when they close a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Chicago (78-64) won nine of 11 from Aug. 26-Sept. 6, averaging 5.9 runs and hitting .310. Since then, the club is 1-4 and has scored 11 runs while batting .173.

The White Sox lost 8-2 on Saturday, falling six games behind AL Central-leading Minnesota with the Twins coming to U.S. Cellular Field for a three-game set starting Tuesday. The Royals pounded starter Edwin Jackson for six runs and 13 hits in five innings.

"You want to play spoiler in this situation, just for the other teams in the division," said first baseman Kila Ka'aihue, who had three of Kansas City's 18 hits.

Chicago dropped to 29-33 against the AL Central as Paul Konerko hit his 34th homer. He needs one RBI to reach 100 for the first time since 2006.

The bottom third of Chicago's order has particularly struggled during the last week, going 6 for 50 over five games. Meanwhile Manny Ramirez, who is hitting fifth, is 1 for 15 over that stretch - he singled and struck out twice Saturday.

"Everyone is right there and energetic and into the games and doing everything they can but everyone has bad games and when you're in the middle of September and in a pennant race and you're trying to catch a team they get magnified," catcher A.J. Pierzynski said, "and that's the way this game works."

With Freddy Garcia bothered by a sore lower back, Lucas Harrell (1-0, 0.84 ERA) will make his second career start for the White Sox.

The right-hander surrendered one run with four hits and five walks in his major league debut, a 6-1 win over Oakland on July 30. He's given up four unearned runs and six hits in 4 2-3 innings over two relief appearances since then.

Kansas City (58-83), which snapped a four-game losing streak Saturday, will send out Sean O'Sullivan (2-5, 5.83).

The right-hander who came over in a trade with the Angels in July, is still looking for his first win as a starter with Kansas City. O'Sullivan is 1-5 with a 6.90 ERA in nine appearances including eight starts with his new club.

As a starter this year, O'Sullivan is 1-5 with a 6.57 ERA. He pitched 4 2-3 innings against Minnesota on Monday, allowing five runs, seven hits and five walks in the 5-4 loss.

O'Sullivan is 1-1 with a 6.00 ERA in two career appearances, including one start, versus the White Sox.