(My Sportsbook) - The Chicago White Sox currently have a small lead in the American League Central and will try to remain in the top spot when they collide with the Texas Rangers tonight in the middle matchup of a three-game series from Arlington.

However, for the White Sox to continue their winning ways they will need Jose Contreras to make tremendous strides in a positive direction. Thus far in 2009 the Cuban native has been horrendous, posting an 0-3 mark with a sky-high earned run average of 6.75 through his first four starts.

The 37-year-old did take small steps to turning his season around in his latest start, as the right-hander held Toronto to just three runs on eight hits and one walk in seven strong innings on Sunday. However, despite the strong effort, Contreras did not factor in the decision.

Contreras will be making his fifth career start against Texas. In his previous four showdowns with the Rangers, the veteran hurler was often embarrassed, allowing 19 runs on 24 hits in just 19 2/3 innings of work while posting a 1-1 record.

The Rangers will look to Brandon McCarthy to get the team back in the win column. The 6-foot-7 hurler is coming off Sunday's no decision against Baltimore in which he tossed only five innings, allowing four runs on nine hits and three walks.

On the year McCarthy is 2-0 in four starts, but the right-hander's ERA is a lackluster 5.32. He tossed some innings for the White Sox from 2005-06, but this will be the first-ever matchup for the 25-year-old against his former team.

In last night's opener, Chris Getz tripled in the winning run in the top of the seventh inning as the White Sox edged Texas, 4-3.

Jim Thome drove in the other three runs with a double for Chicago, which has won four of its last six games. Scott Podsednik, who had his contract purchased from Triple-A Charlotte before the game, collected two hits and scored a run.

Mark Buehrle (4-0) earned the win after yielding three runs on seven hits over six innings. It's the second time in his career the lefty has started a season with four straight victories, joining the 2002 campaign.

Ian Kinsler homered and knocked in two runs for the Rangers, who have lost three of five. Michael Young finished 3-for-4 and Andruw Jones added an RBI double.

Texas starter Scott Feldman did not factor into the decision after giving up three runs on as many hits in 5 2/3 innings. Derek Holland (0-1) was saddled with the loss.

Before Friday's contest, Texas placed outfielder Josh Hamilton on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left intercostal muscle.

These two clubs split six meetings last year, with the Rangers winning two of three from Chicago at home.