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Red Sox-White Sox Preview

Sep 29, 2010 - 5:15 AM By KATE HEDLIN STATS Writer

Boston (87-69) at Chicago (83-73), 8:10 p.m. EDT

Eliminated from postseason contention, the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox are focused on the future. For several members of the White Sox, that future might not be in Chicago.

The clubs continue a four-game set Wednesday at US Cellular Field after splitting the first two meetings. After Boston won 6-1 on Monday, Chicago snapped a seven-game home losing streak with a 5-4 victory Tuesday on Dayan Viciedo's pinch-hit RBI single in the ninth.

For Boston (87-70), the loss came hours after wins by Tampa Bay and New York had officially eliminated the team from the playoff picture. The Red Sox had been in the postseason the previous three years.

"Watching the games on TV is going to feel weird," said David Ortiz, who appeared in six of the previous eight postseasons - seven of them for Boston.

The White Sox (84-73), who were mathematically eliminated last week, will miss the playoffs for a second straight season and for the fourth time in the last five years.

While both teams said they are trying to end the year on a high note, several Chicago players are wondering where they'll be next year, including Paul Konerko and A.J. Pierzynski - members of the 2005 World Series team who are headed for free agency.

Konerko doubled in the tying run in the eighth Tuesday while Pierzynski went 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

"Everyone knows where I stand with the White Sox and the people and the city," Pierzynski said. "The door is open. But we'll see what happens. It takes two to do that, make it possible. We'll see where it goes."

Pierzynski is 6 for 21 while Konerko is 1 for 10 against Josh Beckett (6-5, 5.77 ERA), who will take the mound Wednesday for Boston.

Beckett has won two of his last three starts, but the latest victory was thanks to excellent run support. The right-hander got credit for a 10-8 victory over the Yankees on Friday despite giving up five runs and a season-high four homers in 6 2-3 innings.

Beckett is 4-1 with a 3.38 lifetime ERA against the White Sox.

The White Sox will counter with Freddy Garcia (11-6, 4.74), who is winless in his last three starts.

After missing two weeks with a stiff lower back, Garcia allowed one run and four hits in six innings Friday against the Los Angeles Angels, but didn't get a decision in Chicago's 2-1 win.

The right-hander is 7-2 with a 4.53 ERA over his career against the Red Sox. He has not faced them this season.

Ortiz, who homered Tuesday and is 5 for 9 in the series, is hitting .192 lifetime versus Garcia.