Jeff Samardzija (8-9, 4.64 ERA) and Joe Kelly (6-6, 5.37 ERA) are on the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Chicago White Sox (58-64) and the Boston Red Sox (56-68) at U.S. Cellular Field. Action begins at 8:10 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 24 and can be seen on CSCh and NESN.
Samardzija pitched 7.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering one run, striking out seven and walking two in a 1-0 defeat to the Angels. Jose Abreu (.293, 71 Rs, 23 HRs, 76 RBIs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run, one home run, and two RBIs. Kelly went 6.0 innings, surrendering zero runs (one unearned), striking out three and walking three in a 6-4 win over the Indians in his most recent start.
Chicago is a -131 favorite against Boston and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The White Sox have an overall money line of -600 and a record as the favorite of 28-24. The White Sox are one of the best in the MLB in terms of extra base hits with 323.
In games where it is the underdog, Boston has a 23-29 record and an overall money line of -1,838. Offensively, the Red Sox have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 4.5 runs per game by averaging 8.2 during that stretch. The Red Sox are tough outs for opponents, ranking second in the AL with 9.2 hits per game. Boston is excellent at drawing walks with 3.0 per road game, ranking fourth in the AL.
The White Sox lead the season series, 3-1. The White Sox have a 47-49 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Kelly takes the mound. Samardzija (RHP) will be on the hill against the Red Sox, who have a 42-48 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – CWS, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Chicago is 24-25, while Boston is 28-33.
The Red Sox are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The White Sox have an 11-27 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the White Sox are 45-12. The Red Sox have a 45-7 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 26th in runs, Chicago has earned 468 this season. Boston ranks third with 564 runs.
Ranking 28th, Chicago is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 286 this season. Boston ranks in the top half at 11th with 368.
When the White Sox hit at least one home run, they are 36-33, well-matched with the Red Sox who are 41-39 when hitting one or more homers.
