(Sports Network) - Carlos Zambrano tries to build upon his best start of the season this afternoon, as the Chicago Cubs try and complete a three-game sweep of the cross-town rival White Sox at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs last swept the Pale Hose July 2-4, 2004.

Zambrano, who can become a free agent at season's end, got off to a shaky start, but has pitched well since, winning three of his last four starts. Zambrano earned the win in his last start on Tuesday against the New York Mets, as he allowed a run on six hits in eight frames to run his record to 4-3, while lowering his earned run average to a still-lofty 5.13.

The 25-year-old righty is 4-1 lifetime against the Sox with a 4.31 ERA in nine games, seven of which have been starts.

Countering for the White Sox will be Nick Masset, who will be making his first major league start and his first-ever appearance against the Cubs. Masset, acquired in the deal this past winter that sent Brandon McCarthy to Texas, has appeared in 11 games out of the bullpen this year and is 1-1 with a 6.61 ERA.

The White Sox were planning on starting Jose Contreras on three days' rest today, but manager Ozzie Guillen changed his mind.

In the second game of this Windy City battle on Saturday Aramis Ramirez's triple put the Cubs ahead, and Derrek Lee followed with a pinch-hit grand slam to lead the Cubs to an 11-6 win.

Trailing 6-5, the Cubs put six runs on the board in the eighth. Ryan Theriot tripled off former Cub David Aardsma (2-1), to lead off the frame, and scored on Alfonso Soriano's single to center one out later. Ramirez then tripled to right, scoring Soriano and Daryle Ward was intentionally walked before Michael Barrett reached on an infield single chasing Aardsma and loading the bases.

Lee then entered to pinch-hit against Boone Logan and belted a grand slam into the right-field bleachers on a 3-1 pitch.

Lee, who had not played all week due to neck spasms, hit his eighth career grand slam and third homer this season. He will probably just be available for pinch-hitting duties tonight, as well.

Jason Marquis went six innings, allowing a season-high five runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out four. He also homered. Bob Howry (1-3) picked up the win despite yielding one run on two hits in the eighth.

Joe Crede and Paul Konerko both hit home runs for the White Sox, who have lost three of four.

The White Sox won four of the six meetings between the rivals last season, but have split their last eight trips to Wrigley. The Cubs, though, have won eight of the last 14 matchups overall.

The Cubs are 71-75 all-time in interleague play, while the Sox hold a 100-76 advantage over the Senior Circuit.