In the last of a three-game series between the Chicago White Sox (36-42) and the Baltimore Orioles (36-42) at U.S. Cellular Field, Chris Sale (6-4, 2.87 ERA) and Miguel Gonzalez (6-5, 4.04 ERA) get the start. The White Sox won the last game 3-2 and Chicago leads the series 2-0. The game starts at 2:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Jul. 5 and will air on MASN2 and WGN.
Sale is 1-2 with a 3.72 ERA against the Orioles in his career, and faces a solid Baltimore offense that’s hitting .257 on the year. Jose Abreu (.294, 46 Rs, 14 HRs, 44 RBIs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 4 with two runs. In his career against the White Sox, Gonzalez is 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and seven strikeouts. Manny Machado (.302, 52 Rs, 17 HRs, 46 RBIs, 11 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at eight runs. An area where the White Sox are particularly strong is striking batters out, where they average 8.3 K’s per game.
The Orioles rank third in the AL in scoring, averaging 4.5 runs per game. The Orioles are known for their power, smashing 98 home runs. Switching gears to Baltimore’s pitching staff, they allow just 8.1 hits per road game, good for fourth in the AL.
The White Sox are 3-2 against the Orioles this season. This game will feature Gonzalez (RHP) on the mound against the White Sox, who have a 30-32 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The left-handed Sale will take the mound against the Orioles, who have a 10-8 record against lefty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – BAL, O/U – Over
Notes
Chicago has won 50% (14-14) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Baltimore has won 61% (19-12) of its games when taking a late lead.
The White Sox are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Orioles have a 24-26 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
It looks like the White Sox have a slight leg up on the Orioles, as the White Sox have won their last four games while the Orioles have lost their last three.
When they outhit their opponents, the Orioles are 31-8. The White Sox have a 27-6 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 30th in runs, Chicago has earned 270 this season. Baltimore ranks sixth with 361 runs.
Chicago and Baltimore both rank near the bottom of the league in walks. Chicago sits at 29th with 178 this season and Baltimore ranks 23rd with 200.
The White Sox are 21-20 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Orioles are 35-18 when they hit at least one homer.
