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Peavy solid, strikes out six over 7 2/3

The White Sox have won only twice in their last eight games, and while a slide always hurts, it's even worse when it comes within the division.

After starting the season 5-1 against American League Central rivals, the White Sox now are 2-6 in their last eight games against division opponents and on Wednesday, go for a series split against the Indians at Progressive Field.

While the White Sox have been struggling, the Indians have been victorious in three of their last four and with a win Wednesday, would clinch their fourth straight series victory. It would be the first time Cleveland has won four straight series since Aug. 15-27, 2008.

To get that victory, the Indians have to face the league's best pitcher during the first month of the season, White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy, who was named AL Pitcher of the Month for April.

Peavy continued his April success in his first May start against Detroit, despite not factoring in the decision, allowing three runs in 7 2/3 innings. The right-hander is 2-3 with a 4.00 ERA in seven career starts against Cleveland, the latest of which came a year ago when he tossed a three-hit shutout against the Indians on May 18.

In search of another series victory, the Indians hand the ball to right-hander Jeanmar Gomez, who tossed two scoreless innings of relief against the White Sox on April 11. Gomez beat Chicago twice last September, turning in quality starts each time.

White Sox: Beckham up in the order
• Second baseman Gordon Beckham, who's hitting .344 this month, was in the two-hole for the second straight game Tuesday, going 1-for-4 with a walk, and manager Robin Ventura said he likes the way Beckham's been swinging lately.

"We haven't had much out of that spot," Ventura said. "So just the way he's swinging and doing things, we'll see what he can do there."

• The White Sox bullpen has a 2.46 ERA in its last seven games.

Indians: Cabrera hot in Cleveland
• Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera has a hit in 16 of his last 19 games and is batting .387 during that stretch and .340 overall.

• Jason Kipnis has hit safely 14 of his last 17 games, batting .354 during that stretch.

Worth noting
• Shin-Soo Choo (.385, 5-for-13) and Cabrera (.364, 4-for-11) have had success against Peavy in their careers.

• White Sox reliever Addison Reed has retired all 18 batters he has faced on the six-game, seven-day road trip.

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