CHICAGO – Losers in eight of their last nine games, the White Sox face a must-win situation tonight against the surging Tampa Bay Rays, who have won eight straight games.
The Sox sit two games back of the Detroit Tigers with six games remaining, including tonight's game. They need a good start tonight from Gavin Floyd (10-11, 4.56 ERA). In his last five starts at home Floyd is 0-1 with a 6.33 ERA.
A struggling offense faces right-hander Jeremy Hellickson (9-10, 3.20). The Sox have score five runs or less in their last 11 games, all of which have been decided by three runs or less. Over their last 10 games, the Sox have left 68 runners on base while hitting .110 (8 for 73) with runners in scoring position.
Rays starting lineup
1. Sam Fuld, LF
2. B.J. Upton, CF
3. Ben Zobrist, SS
4. Evan Longoria, 3B
5. Luke Scott, DH
6. Jeff Keppinger, 2B
7. Carlos Pena, 1B
8. Matt Joyce, RF
9. Jose Lobaton, C
White Sox starting lineup
1. Alejandro De Aza, CF
2. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
3. Adam Dunn, DH
4. Paul Konerko, 1B
5. Alex Rios, RF
6. A.J. Pierzynski, C
7. Dayan Viciedo, LF
8. Alexei Ramirez, SS
9. Gordon Beckham, 2B
-- Meghan Montemurro
