Sox carry 5-game losing streak into homestand

CHICAGO – The Sox have dropped five consecutive games heading into their final homestand, and the timing couldn't be much worse.

The five-game losing streak matches the Sox's longest streak of the season (4/24-28 and 7/18-22), though they still lead the Detroit Tigers by one game in the AL Central with 10 games left. The Sox have won five straight games against the Cleveland Indians and lead the season series 8-4.

Chris Sale (17-7, 2.82 ERA) takes the mound tonight looking to end the streak and extend his dominance at U.S. Cellular Field. Sale is 8-0 with a 1.20 ERA and 69 strikeouts in his last nine home starts. Cleveland starts right-hander Zach McAllister (5-8, 4.31). In two career starts versus the Sox, McAllister is 1-0 with a 3.18 ERA.

In their last six games, the Sox are hitting .071 (3 for 42) with runners in scoring position.

Indians starting lineup

1. Shin-soo Choo, RF
2. Jason Kipnis, 2B
3. Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
4. Carlos Santana, DH
5. Russ Canzier, 1B
6. Vinny Rottino, LF
7. Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B
8. Lou Marson, C
9. Ezequiel Carrera, CF

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