Game Preview: White Sox begin 3-game series vs. Royals

Jun 11, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham (15) hits a two-RBI single against the Detroit Tigers during the sixth inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago White Sox are coming off a series with the AL Central first-place Detroit Tigers, and they are staying within their closely contested division by welcoming the Kansas City Royals for the next three days. Here is the game preview for Friday night’s game.

Kansas City and the White Sox each have 33 wins entering this series with the Royals at 33-32 and the White Sox at 33-34 on the year. The White Sox trail the Royals by one game for the second place spot in the division and the Tigers by 3.5 games.

Before Friday’s game, the White Sox are 3-3 vs. the Royals this season, scoring 28 runs in their six meetings, but allowing 27.

The last time these two team faced each other was on May 19-21 with the White Sox winning the first two games with identical 7-6 scores. Chicago lost the third game by a 3-1 score.

As for the pitching matchup Friday, the White Sox will have the services of Jose Quintana (3-6, 3.59 ERA) against Jeremy Guthrie (2-6, 4.10 ERA).

In his last 16.1 innings pitched, the left-handed Quintana is 1-2 with a 3.31 ERA and 14 strikeouts.

Quintana has also had some tough times against the Royals in his career, which is 57.2 innings. In those games, Quintana is 0-4 with a 4.06 ERA and 41 strikeouts.

Mike Moustakas has had success against Quintana with a .421 average in 19 at-bats wit two him runs and three RBIs. Salvador Perez is batting .318 for his career against the White Sox starter. In 22 at-bats he has two home runs and six RBIs.

Billy Butler struggles against the White Sox lefty because in 18 at-bats he is batting .167.