White Sox hope for some normalcy in opener with Twins

(SportsNetwork.com) - The Chicago White Sox try to get back to some normalcy on Thursday when they open a four-game set with the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.

Chicago had its first two games with the Orioles postponed this week due to the violence in Baltimore that stemmed from the death of 25-year-old man while in police custody. The teams were able to play Wednesday's finale, but did so before an empty Camden Yards, as because of the situation the game was closed to the public.

Perhaps the White Sox were thrown off by the unusual circumstances, as Jeff Samardzija surrendered six runs in the first inning and they dropped an 8-2 decision.

Avisail Garcia finished with two hits and Geovany Soto drove in a run for the White Sox, who had a two-game winning streak stopped. Samardzija (1-2) was tagged in defeat for eight runs -- seven earned -- on 10 hits over five full frames.

"It was just a weird day," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "It was such a surreal experience that you get past it and get ready for tomorrow."

On Thursday, the ChiSox will turn to left-handed ace Chris Sale, who is 2-0 with a 2.37 ERA. Sale did not get a decision last Thursday against Kansas City, but it was through no fault of his own, as he surrendered two runs and nine hits in seven innings of a 3-2 loss.

Sale, who has not given up more than two runs in any of his three starts, is 7-1 lifetime versus the Twins with a 2.37 ERA in 17 games (9 starts).

Minnesota, meanwhile, will turn to righty Trevor May, who has beaten the White Sox both times he has faced them. May, though, has split two decisions this season and has pitched to a 4.91 ERA in three starts.

May was forced to exit his last start on Saturday against Seattle with two outs in the fourth inning after Kyle Seager laced a liner back up the middle that hit him in the elbow.

Minnesota lost the rubber match of its three-game series with the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, 10-7.

Phil Hughes left the game with a hip injury after allowing three runs in five innings, but the Twins' relievers were not sharp. Tim Stauffer and Casey Fien (1-2) were both charged with three runs.

Oswaldo Arcia and Trevor Plouffe each homered for the Twins, while Joe Mauer was 3-for-5 with two runs scored and two runs driven in.

Chicago took two of three from the Twins earlier in the year.