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White Sox-Rangers Preview

May 1, 2009 - 12:21 AM By KATE HEDLIN STATS Writer

Chicago (11-10) at Texas (10-10), 8:05 p.m. EDT

The Chicago White Sox are banged up and they aren't scoring many runs as a result.

They'll need to find a way to get going offensively as they face the high-scoring Texas Rangers at hitter-friendly Rangers Ballpark on Friday night.

Chicago (11-10) took two of three from Seattle at home to start the week, winning the finale 6-3 on Wednesday. Carlos Quentin and Jermaine Dye hit back-to-back home runs in the seventh to break a 3-3 tie.

The two came in hitting a combined .152 (5-for-33) in their previous five games.

"A guy like Jermaine has a track record, and you know he's going to get it going," said catcher A.J. Pierzynski, who also homered. "Carlos is going to be fine. They know they can hit. We just need to get them going - and they will."

The White Sox are counting on it. After scoring 10 runs against Toronto on Saturday, Chicago managed six over the next three games.

Injuries have played a part in the lack of production. Designated hitter Jim Thome (sore left heel) has been out since Sunday and may be placed on the disabled list, while center fielder Brian Anderson suffered a mild oblique strain Wednesday and will be re-evaluated before Friday.

The White Sox could get second baseman Chris Getz, who's hitting .340, back in the lineup Friday. He hasn't played since last Friday because of a broken middle finger.

Chicago will be facing a Texas club that began the week second in the AL in runs with 110.

The Rangers (10-11) split an abbreviated series with Oakland this week, losing Thursday's finale 4-2 after Wednesday's contest was rained out.

Texas, which scored five runs or more in the previous five games, was shut out until Hank Blalock's home run in the eighth inning. Ian Kinsler nearly put the Rangers ahead in the same inning, but his potential three-run homer was pulled back over the wall by Ryan Sweeney.

"It was a good catch. There's nothing more I can say," Kinsler said. "I was hoping it would be on the grass and out of his reach."

Andruw Jones homered in the ninth for Texas, which stranded 12 and was 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

The Rangers will likely be without outfielder Josh Hamilton, who's hitting .242 with two homers and 10 RBIs in 18 games, this weekend. He missed the last series with a strained left rib cage muscle.

After struggling offensively in their last game, the Rangers will try to get back on track against Mark Buehrle (3-0, 3.00 ERA), who's had success against Texas.

The left-hander is 10-3 with a 2.84 ERA in 13 starts and three relief appearances versus the Rangers.

Buehrle pitched six innings of two-run ball in a 10-2 victory over Toronto on Saturday. Chicago has won all four of his starts and scored 17 runs in his last two outings.

Scott Feldman (1-0, 7.71) will counter for the Rangers. Feldman lost his spot in the rotation to Kris Benson at the start of the season but regained it when Benson was injured.

Feldman pitched five innings at Baltimore on Saturday, giving up one run and four hits to earn a 6-5 victory.

The right-hander is 1-1 with a 3.72 ERA in one start and five relief appearances against the White Sox. The start came July 21 when he pitched six innings and allowed one run and four hits in a 6-1 home win.

Chicago and Texas split their six meetings last season, with each winning two of three at home.