Carlos Rodon (2-1, 3.86 ERA) and Yovani Gallardo (6-6, 3.16 ERA) take the hill in the second of a three-game series between the Chicago White Sox (28-38) and the Texas Rangers (37-31) at U.S. Cellular Field. The White Sox lost the last game 2-1, continuing an eight-game losing streak. Action begins at 2:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Jun. 20 and can be seen on FSN-SW and CSN-CHI.
Rodon pitched 3.2 innings in his last outing, surrendering seven runs, striking out three and walking one in an 11-0 defeat to the Pirates. Jose Abreu (.286, 34 Rs, 12 HRs, 40 RBIs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 4. Against the White Sox, Gallardo is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, and four strikeouts. Prince Fielder (.344, 34 Rs, 11 HRs, 47 RBIs) went 1 for 3 yesterday.
Chicago is a -133 favorite against Texas and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The White Sox have an overall money line of -1,119 and a record as the favorite of 16-13. The White Sox have seen a decline in scoring as of late, averaging 2.5 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 3.5 runs per game. Crossing over to the pitching staff, opponents have consistently been struck out by the White Sox, who rank fourth in the AL in strikeouts per game with 8.1.
In games where it is the underdog, Texas has a 31-27 record and an overall money line of +1,723. Offensively, they average 4.5 runs per game, which is good for third in the AL.
The Rangers lead the season series, 3-1. The White Sox have a 23-29 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Gallardo takes the mound. Rodon (LHP) will be on the hill against the Rangers, who have a 12-12 record against left-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – TEX, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Chicago is 12-13, while Texas is 13-15.
Having scored one run in their last game, the White Sox are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Rangers have a 16-1 record in games where opponents scored that many runs or fewer.
When they are outhit, the White Sox are 6-30. The Rangers have an 8-26 record when opponents outhit them.
Chicago ranks near the bottom of the league at 28th when it comes to home runs, hitting 47 this season. Texas ranks in the top 10 at 10th with 69.
Ranking 14th, Chicago is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 7.95 per game. Texas ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 8.51.
Ranking 29th, Chicago is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.635). Texas ranks in the bottom half at 16th with an OPS of .713.
When the Rangers allow at least one home run, they are 19-25. When the White Sox allow one or more homers, they have a 14-26 record.
