The Chicago White Sox try to end their season on a high note Wednesday when they close out a three-game set with the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field.
Chicago had a three-game lead in the American League Central as late as Sept. 18 but dropped 11 of 14 and has found itself on the outside looking in.
The White Sox' late-season struggles continued on Tuesday, as Jason Donald singled home the winning run in the 12th inning to carry Cleveland to a 4-3 win.
With Matt Thornton (4-10) on the mound for Chicago, Lonnie Chisenhall doubled to start the Indians' half of the frame and Russ Canzler was intentionally walked. Nate Jones then entered the game and struck out Jack Hannahan, but Donald singled to left to bring home the winning run.
Travis Hafner hit a two-run home run while Shin-Soo Choo added a solo homer for the Indians, who have won five of their last seven. Justin Masterson went six innings in the start and gave up a run on four hits, while Chris Seddon (1-1) worked a scoreless 12th for the win.
"This is a nice run we're putting together here towards the end," said Masterson. "The energy is good and we've been having fun. You hate seeing the end, but this makes it a little more enjoyable."
Dayan Viciedo hit a two-run homer and Orlando Hudson went 3-for-6 with an RBI for the White Sox, while Jake Peavy pitched eight-plus innings and gave up three runs on three hits with a walk and eight strikeouts.
"We just can't catch a break right now," said Peavy. "It's been tough because we want to win, but things just aren't going our way."
Chicago slugger Adam Dunn struck out twice in the loss and is now one shy of matching Mark Reynolds' major league record of 223 set with Arizona in 2009.
Gavin Floyd takes the hill on Wednesday trying for his third win in four starts. Floyd beat the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday to improve to 11-11, while lowering his ERA to 4.47.
He is 7-4 in 14 starts versus the Tribe with a 4.70 ERA.
Cleveland, meanwhile, will counter with lefty David Huff, who is 3-0 with a 2.86 ERA. He allowed three runs on eight hits over six innings against the Royals on Friday, helping Sandy Alomar Jr. record his first win as the Indians' interim manager.
"He told me before the game, 'Hey, this is my first game managing. Don't disappoint me,'" Huff said. "I was like, 'OK, no pressure.' It was good. I'm glad we ended up winning tonight and getting him the 'W.'"
Huff has faced the White Sox five times (4 starts) and is 2-1 with a 6.95 ERA.
Chicago has won 10 of 17 matchups with the Indians this season.
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