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White Sox look to hang onto Central lead

Sep 13, 2008 - 1:08 PM Detroit (70-76) at Chi White Sox (81-65), (1ST GAME) 3:55 pm EDT

CHICAGO (Ticker) - Despite dropping four of their last five games, the Chicago White Sox still hold onto the lead in the American League Central.

Javier Vazquez takes the mound as the White Sox look to get back to their winning ways in the season's most crucial stretch, starting when they face the Detroit Tigers on Saturday in a doubleheader.

Friday's series opener was rained out, forcing both teams to juggle their starting rotations. Instead of Justin Verlander and John Danks going on Friday, both will be pushed back to Sunday while veterans Kenny Rogers and Vazquez get the call in the first game Saturday.

Youngsters Zach Miner and Lance Broadway are scheduled to square off in the nightcap.

Chicago is one game ahead of the Minnesota Twins (80-66), who were also rained out Friday at Baltimore.

Vazquez (11-13, 4.29 ERA) has taken the loss in three of his last four starts despite allowing three earned runs or less in three of the outings. The righthander ranks fourth in the AL with 180 strikeouts.

Vazquez has struggled against Detroit recently, taking the loss in his last three outings against the division rival while allowing 16 runs in 20 innings.

Rogers (9-13, 5.49) had his start pushed back four days due to hip soreness. The 43-year-old lefthander has posted a 1-7 record with an 8.50 ERA over his last eight starts.