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White Sox, Yankees resume set in Chicago

Aug 2, 2011 - 3:01 PM (Sports Network) - John Danks goes after his fifth straight winning decision this evening when the Chicago White Sox continue their four-game series with the New York Yankees at U.S. Cellular Field.

Danks opened the year by losing his first eight decisions. However, he is 4-0 in his last six starts and has allowed just four runs in that time to lower his earned run average to 3.79.

The left-hander's latest win came on Wednesday against Detroit, as he allowed just a run and six hits and struck out a season-high 10 batters over six innings.

"After the third inning he was fighting through it, but this kid went out there and he pitched with his heart," Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen said of Danks.

Danks, who has faced the Yankees five times and is 2-2 with a 7.36 ERA, could have his work cut out for him tonight, as New York is 23-9 in games started by left-handers this season, including 11 wins in its last 13 tries.

While Danks has been marvelous of late, the same cannot be said for his counterpart this evening, Phil Hughes, as the Yankees right-hander could be pitching for his spot in the rotation.

After allowing seven runs in 4 1/3 innings two starts ago, Hughes was charged with a loss on Wednesday against Seattle, surrendering two runs and nine hits in six innings, as he fell to 1-3 on the year to go along with an 8.24 ERA.

Hughes' spot in the rotation became a little less clear over the weekend when rookie Ivan Nova pitched well, earning himself another start on Thursday.

"Competition is a good thing," Yankee manager Joe Girardi said of Hughes and Nova. "I think it brings out the best in people. I think they're both working hard, going about their business, approaching the games the way they need to approach it."

Hughes, an 18-game winner a year ago, is 1-1 in seven games (three starts) against the White Sox with a 1.00 ERA.

One pitcher who has no concerns about his place amongst Yankees starters is CC Sabathia. The left-hander chalked up his major league-leading 16th win with eight effective innings, helping New York to a 3-2 victory.

Sabathia's only costly mistake came in the fourth when he hung an offspeed pitch that Alexei Ramirez sent into the left-field bleachers for a two-run homer.

But the Yankees, bolstered by Curtis Granderson, had a three-run lead at the time and Sabathia (16-5) settled in, allowing a total of 10 hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

Mariano Rivera closed out New York's fourth straight win with a perfect ninth.

The White Sox had numerous chances against Sabathia, but went just 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position to drop their third game in a row.

The lack of a big hit spoiled a quality start by Jake Peavy (4-5), who surrendered three runs on eight hits over seven innings to take the loss.

"It's frustrating when you lose," White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham said. "We're not finding ways to win."

Both clubs were missing All-Stars, as Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter sat with a bruised right middle finger and Chicago's Paul Konerko was bothered by a bruised left calf.

These teams split a four-game set in the Bronx earlier in the year. Chicago was outscored 17-9 in that series, but out-hit the Yankees, 31-26.