The set-up: The Padres posted a 6-3 victory in the opener of this three-game IL series in Chicago, winning for just the second time in nine games. In the process, they sent the White Sox to their sixth consecutive loss and ninth setback in their last 11 games.Chicago has been outscored 34-18 during its six-game slide and has given up at least six runs in seven of its last 11 contests. The series continues tonight in Chicago.

The pitching matchup: Trevor Cahill (3-2 & 3.06 ERA) goes for San Diego and Dylan Covey (0-3 ERA 8.28 ERA) for Chicago. Cahill comes in having won each of his last three decisions, giving up just one earned run over 18 1/3 innings during those outings. He allowed just one hit over 5 1/3 scoreless frames against Oakland in his last turn but received an early hook due to a season-high five walks. Cahill is 1-3 with a 4.53 ERA in nine career appearances (eight starts / teams are 2-6) against the White Sox. Covey has been treated rudely in his first season in the majors and has allowed six runs in each of his last two starts. He has served up seven HRs in 25 innings, including three when the New York Yankees torched him for eight runs and 10 hits in five innings on April 19. Covey has a horrendous 1.92 WHIP and opposing batters are hitting .349 against him.

The pick: Maybe it's a stretch to side with the White Sox (and Covey) but note that Cahill has struggled on Chicago's South Side, with a 7.32 ERA in five games (four starts). I expect both starters to struggle but will side with Chicago's bullpen, whose 2.29 ERA is the second-best in all of MLB (San Diego's ranks 26th at 5.12). Take the 1 1/2 runs and make Chicago a 10* play.