A's continue series in Windy City

Greg Smith is slated to get the ball for the Athletics tonight, and while his 5-6 record could certainly stand some improvement, it is hard to complain about his 3.44 ERA. He has permitted only 82 hits in 99 1/3 innings of work, but his 40 walks have clearly hurt the cause. He owns a 2.75 ERA in the last three games and is coming off a complete game win.

Gavin Floyd will be on the hill for Chicago today, and the hope is that he can improve on his already impressive 9-4 record and 3.45 ERA. He has only surrendered 79 hits in 101 2/3 innings, but like Smith he has issued a high number of walks (37).

Floyd has yet to face the Athletics in his career.

Yesterday, Jack Cust slammed a two-run homer and Joe Blanton pitched seven solid innings in Oakland's 7-1 victory.

Blanton (5-11) allowed just one run while scattering six hits and two walks for the Athletics, adding five strikeouts in the club's second straight win.

Donnie Murphy had two hits and two runs batted in, while Emil Brown and Wes Bankston each recorded three-hit nights.

Mark Buehrle (6-7) ended a personal four-decision winning streak by surrendering four runs on 10 hits and three walks, as Chicago dropped its second straight following a seven-game winning streak.

The White Sox gave up 17 hits, the most allowed this season by a usually stingy pitching staff.

Oakland has won seven of its eight most recent meetings with Chicago, although the A's are just 4-6 over their last 10 games at U.S. Cellular Field.

These teams split a two-game series in the Windy City back in April.