Athletics vs. White Sox Pick
Will the Chicago White Sox handle the Oakland Athletics when the two start a weekend series in Chicago tonight at 8:10PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, this game is considered even, as both teams are getting odds of -105 to win. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 10 runs. These two are meeting for the first time this season.
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The pitching matchup for tonight’s game has Jharel Cotton (4-7, 5.40 ERA) on the mound for Oakland to face Mike Pelfrey (3-5, 3.56) of the White Sox. Cotton has been pretty consistent in allowing three runs or more in a rather short outing. He has pitched 66.2 innings over 12 starts and has 59 strikeouts with 29 walks. His WHIP is 1.43. Pelfrey has been showing improvement for quite a while now. He has allowed 1 earned run or less in five of his last six outings. Pelfrey has 35 strikeouts and 21 walks with a 1.26 WHIP this season.
Oakland is coming off being swept at home in a four-game series by the Astros. The Athletics are now 31-42 overall and 9-25 on the road. Oakland is averaging 4.22 runs per game while allowing 5.36 per contest. The Athletics are led by Khris Davis, who has 18 home runs and 46 RBI. Yonder Alonso and Ryon Healy each have 17 home runs as well for Oakland.
The White Sox avoided being swept by the Twins last night, but they have still lost three of their last four games. Chicago is now 32-39 overall and 15-12 at home. They are putting up 4.61 runs per game while allowing 4.61. The Sox are led by Avisail Garcia, who has a .342 average with 17 doubles, 11 homers and 51 RBI. Jose Abreu is adding 13 home runs and 47 RBI for the Sox.
Bet on Athletics vs. White Sox
Oakland is coming off a sweep by the league’s best team, but now has to hit the road and face the White Sox. Oakland has been terrible when on the road. The White Sox are turning the ball over to Pelfrey, who has been quite reliable for them over the last month. Oakland can’t say the same about Cotton. I think he will struggle against this Chicago lineup while Pelfrey hands the ball to his bullpen with a comfortable lead.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: CHICAGO WHITE SOX -105