Indians Look to Close Out Chicago Series with a 'W'

Chicago- The Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox meet Sunday afternoon, with both teams looking to win the series. The White Sox were able to hold the Indians offense scoreless on Friday night, while the Indians bats awoke last night for 3-1 victory. The win marked the Indians sixth win in eight games, as the Tribes lead in the AL Central continues to grow. While the division seems to be firmly in hand a series win on the South side of Chicago would go a long way as the Indians try and find their stride down the stretch.

Dylan Covey (4-8) faces the Tribe offense, as Carlos Carrasco looks to keep the White Sox offense down. Carrasco is looking to capitalize on the struggles of the White Sox, as they have scored three or fewer runs in five straight games.

Here are three keys to a Tribe victory...

1. Continue success

Carlos Carrasco had won five straight decisions before losing to the pesky Minnesota Twins on Tuesday. Sunday's start will be the 11th start against the White Sox for Carrasco. Carrasco is (5-4) in those starts striking out 68 batters in just 60 innings. Carrasco is probably the least talked about starter in Clevelands rotation but much like his counter parts, he has had another great season. Between Corey Kulber, Trevor Bauer and Carrasco the Indians have one of the strongest rotations in baseball as the regular season begins to head into the final stretch.

2. Tale of two tapes

The Indians come into Sunday's contest sitting at 36-17 vs AL central division opponents this season. As if that wasn't impressive enough, the Indians are 18-4 in their last 22 games against the division. Meanwhile the White Sox are a lowly 17-29 this season against the AL Central. While these numbers may not be all that shocking when you sit down and think about it, the success against the division this season is important in the Indians bigger picture.

3. Tugs at the heart strings

Indians slugger Edwin Encarcion was places on the 10-day disabled list on Saturday. The stint on the DL is due to Encarcion experiencing swelling in his left biceps. Indians manager Terry Francona shared a heartwarming quote about the slugger, "When I was talking to him about it in the tunnel, he kept saying, 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry,'" Indians manager Terry Francona told reporters. "And I'm like, you don't need to be sorry, man. I just want to do what's right for you."