Hector Santiago (7-5, 2.78 ERA) gets the ball for the Los Angeles Angels (59-52) as they go up against Carlos Rodon (4-4, 5.00 ERA) and the Chicago White Sox (52-58) in the second of a three-game series at U.S. Cellular Field. The White Sox won the last game 8-2 and Chicago leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 8:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 11 and will air on WPWR and FSW.
In his last start, Rodon pitched 4.2 innings, giving up four runs, striking out three and walking two in a 6-5 loss to the Rays. Jose Abreu (.295, 66 Rs, 21 HRs, 67 RBIs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 4 with two runs. The Angels were unsuccessful to the Indians 4-3 the last time Santiago pitched. He went 6.0 innings, allowing three runs, striking out seven and walking one. Mike Trout (.304, 78 Rs, 33 HRs, 69 RBIs, 10 SBs) has been doing well offensively for the Angels, going 2 for 3 yesterday.
Chicago, a +112 underdog, will look to capitalize at home against Los Angeles. The teams combine to set the Over/Under (O/U) at eight runs. The White Sox are 25-35 as the underdog and have an overall money line of -735. Over the last 10 games, they have performed poorly when playing as the underdog (1-4). Chicago has averaged 5.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 3.8. The White Sox are a dangerous hitting team with 287 extra base hits, one of the highest totals in the MLB. Below average play has been the norm lately for the Chicago pitchers. The White Sox have given up an average of 6.5 runs to opponents in their last 10 games, above their season average of 4.4 runs per game.
On the other side, the Angels have a nice record of 42-25 when they are favored and are +125 overall with the money line. The Angels will be looking to pick it up in this one after recent offensive struggles. In their 10 most recent games, Los Angeles’s run production has dropped to 3.1 runs per game, compared to 3.8 for the duration of the season. The Angels are a problem for opposing batters, sporting a 3.62 ERA this season. They also allow just 2.6 walks per game, second-best in the AL.
The only other game between the two teams went Chicago’s way. The White Sox will take on a left-hander (Santiago) in this game and have an 8-13 record against left-handed starting pitchers this season. The left-handed Rodon will take the mound against the Angels, who have a 16-10 record against lefty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAA, O/U – Over
Notes
The White Sox are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Angels have a 21-33 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the White Sox are 8-44. The Angels have an 11-39 record when opponents outhit them.
Chicago ranks near the bottom of the league at 22nd when it comes to home runs, hitting 94 this season. Los Angeles ranks in the top 10 at eighth with 122.
Ranking 11th, Los Angeles is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.27 per game. Chicago ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 8.52.
Ranking 25th, Chicago is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.687). Los Angeles ranks in the bottom half at 18th with an OPS of .704.
When the Angels allow at least one home run, they are 30-43. When the White Sox allow one or more homers, they have a 25-42 record.
