MLB Game Preview - Chicago Sox at Cleveland

Wed Apr 3, 2019 1:10 PM EDT

The Cleveland Indians mustered just six runs in their first 34 innings before scoring four in their final at-bat Monday to even their record after four games.

The Indians hope to ride the momentum of their one big inning into the finale of their two-game series on Wednesday afternoon against the Chicago White Sox.

"We're not struggling. It's just timing," Cleveland designated hitter Hanley Ramirez said. "We don't try to put that negative thought in our young guys that they're struggling. Keep working. You've got to get your timing right."

The four-run uprising in the eighth inning on Monday afternoon couldn't have come at a better time for the Indians, who saw right-hander Mike Clevinger's sterling one-run, career-high 12-strikeout performance go by the boards after the bullpen allowed three runs in the top of the frame.

Ramirez and Max Moroff responded with RBI singles before Roberto Perez and Greg Allen drew consecutive bases-loaded walks to help Cleveland post a 5-3 win on a brisk 37-degree day.

"Playing in this weather, it's just difficult," Indians manager Terry Francona said.

"It's difficult for everybody. I mean you saw their relievers were having a tough time (on Monday). When the weather warms up, it'll be easier for everybody. Pitchers included. But in the meantime, you just have to fight for everything you can get."

The White Sox have been left out in the cold for the better part of two seasons against Cleveland, batting just .190 and getting outscored 109-30 en route to losing 24 of their last 31 encounters.

A struggling bullpen was the culprit in the most recent outing, with the unit collectively posting a 9.00 ERA with seven walks in 10 innings of work this season. Manager Rick Renteria refused to point the finger at his relievers, however.

"Basically, it didn't work," Renteria said. "It didn't work out. I'm fully confident that everyone I put in will be successful. If they do not do well, you can blame me."

The White Sox traditionally haven't fared well against Wednesday starter Corey Kluber (0-1, 2.57 ERA), whose 13 career wins versus Chicago are his most against any opponent.

The 32-year-old right-hander posted a 4-0 mark with an 0.96 ERA against the White Sox last season, allowing just three runs and 16 hits while striking out 39 over 28 innings.

Yolmer Sanchez (6-for-36, 13 strikeouts) and Yoan Moncada (3-for-18, seven strikeouts) have struggled mightily in their careers against Kluber, although Jose Abreu has enjoyed success versus the hurler to the tune of batting 16-for-50 with five homers and 12 RBIs.

Kluber allowed two runs and four hits and struck out five in seven innings in a hard-luck 2-0 setback at Minnesota on Thursday.

He'll be opposed by left-hander Carlos Rodon, who also took the loss despite a strong Opening Day performance. The 26-year-old yielded three runs (two earned) on three hits with six strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings in Thursday's 5-3 setback at Kansas City.

Rodon fell to 4-3 with a 2.66 ERA in 14 career encounters versus Cleveland after losing both decisions in four starts against the club in 2018.

Carlos Santana has gotten in his licks by going 7-for-21 with a pair of doubles against Rodon.

Chicago shortstop Tim Anderson is expected to sit out Wednesday's matinee after missing the opener when his wife, Bria, went into labor for the birth of the couple's second child. Jose Rondon initially was slated to play second base before shuffling over to shortstop while Sanchez was inserted into the lineup.

--Field Level Media