Chicago White Sox (Rauch)@Oakland A's (Lidle)
Well I am going to be backing the hometown A's here, I know your going to say but the Sox are so hot well let me tell you why I like the A's.
The White Sox send John Rauch to the mound here and he has not faired well this year so far in 2 starts he has only lasted 8 innings coming away with an ERA of 12.37 and a WHIP of 2.000, he has struck out 7 batters but has walked 7 also, he has given up 2 homeruns all at home this is his first start on the road this year and he has never faced the A's.
The A's counter with Corey Lidle who has yet to get a win this year although he has pitched well he has an ERA of 4.50 but a very solid WHIP of 1.292, he has struck out 14 batters, walked only 4 and given up one homer all in 24 innings pitched. He has one start against the Sox getting a no decision with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.857 in 7 innings pitched.
The Bullpens have both been up and down so far this year, the A's having an ERA of 4.58 in 59 innings pitched with a WHIP of 1.508 striking out 32, walking 23 and giving up two homeruns. Chicago's bullpen has been rocky on the road with an ERA of 5.79 and a WHIP of 1.786, striking out 16, walking 16 and giving up 0 homeruns so far.
The White Sox have been impressive but let's look at their opposition so far they have played the Baltimore Orioles winning 3 and losing 1and the Detroit Tigers winning 2 losing 1 two teams that have not exactly been impressing anyone and they have played two series against the Indians who to be honest lost allot of their power from last year and are just not the same team they were. The A's have started out slowly but may have found their strokes hitting very well last night in a win over Mike Mussina who is one of the better pitchers in baseball.
I am looking for the A's to get to Rauch early and often and get to the bullpen who have been shaky on the road, while Lidle should be able to contain the White Sox bats enough to get the A's the win.
Playing the Oakland A's -127