Garrett Richards (11-9, 3.55 ERA) and John Danks (6-9, 4.58 ERA) are on the hill in the second of a four-game series between the Los Angeles Angels (61-57) and the Chicago White Sox (55-61) at Angel Stadium. The Angels won the last game 2-1 and Los Angeles leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 10:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 18 and can be seen on CSCh and FSW.
Richards pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering three runs, striking out four and walking two in a 7-6 defeat to the Royals. Albert Pujols (.253, 65 Rs, 32 HRs, 68 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI. Danks went 7.1 innings, surrendering one run, striking out two and walking three in a 3-2 defeat to the Angels in his last outing. Adam Eaton (.264, 70 Rs, 10 HRs, 30 RBIs, 11 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Los Angeles is a -174 favorite against Chicago and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at seven runs. Though the Angels have had a tough season in terms of their overall money line (-314), they have done fairly well as a favorite with a record of 43-27. Opposing batters know they’re in for a battle when they play Los Angeles. The Angels are one of the top teams when it comes to pitching, allowing just 3.9 runs per game. The Angels are the fifth-best team in the AL at limiting walks to their opponents, allowing only 2.6 walks per game so far this season.
In games where it is the underdog, Chicago has a 27-36 record and an overall money line of -617. The White Sox have a dynamic offense, ranking third in the league with 305 extra base hits. When it comes to issuing walks on the road, the White Sox have the fewest in the AL with only 2.4 walks allowed per game.
The White Sox lead the season series, 3-1. The Angels have a 16-13 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Danks takes the mound. Richards (RHP) will be on the hill against the White Sox, who have a 45-47 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAA, O/U – Over
Notes
Los Angeles earned its ninth shutout of the season in its last game. Chicago has been shut out six times this season.
Having scored zero runs in their last game, the Angels are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The White Sox have an 8-0 record in games where opponents scored that many runs.
When they are outhit, the White Sox are 10-45. The Angels have a 12-40 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 22nd in home runs, Chicago has hit 99 this season. Los Angeles ranks eighth with 126 home runs.
Ranking 12th, Los Angeles is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.26 per game. Chicago ranks in the top 10 at 10th with 8.52.
Los Angeles and Chicago both rank near the bottom of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Los Angeles sits at 21st with an OPS of .700 and Chicago ranks 25th with an OPS of .687.
The White Sox are 26-43 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Angels are 31-46 when they allow at least one homer.