Carlos Rodon (1-2, 4.72 ERA) and Colby Lewis (1-0, 4.00 ERA) are on the hill in the second of a three-game series between the Chicago White Sox (11-6) and the Texas Rangers (10-7) at U.S. Cellular Field. The White Sox won the last game 5-0, and Chicago leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 2:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 23 and can be seen on CSCh and FSSW.
Rodon pitched 0.1 inning in his most recent start, surrendering five runs, striking out one and walking two in a 7-0 defeat to the Angels. Melky Cabrera (.317, 7 Rs, 1 HR, 6 RBIs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 4 with two runs. Lewis went 6.0 innings, surrendering four runs, striking out seven and walking two in an 8-4 win over the Orioles in his last outing. Adrian Beltre (.344, 8 Rs, 3 HRs, 12 RBIs) has been successful at the plate for the Rangers, going 2 for 4 yesterday.
The odds for Chicago and Texas are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The White Sox have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Chicago’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0. The White Sox are the second-best team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.007 so far this season. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the White Sox, who rank fifth in the AL in strikeouts per game with 7.2.
Offensively, the Rangers have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. Moving on to Texas’s pitching staff and defense, the Rangers allow just two runs per road game, ranking them fifth in the AL. The Rangers have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an AL-best 6.1 strikeouts per road game, making them one of the top five teams in the league.
The White Sox have the edge in the season series, 1-0.
Predictions: SU Winner – TEX
Notes
Chicago has won 50% (3-3) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Texas has won 58% (7-5) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Rangers didn’t score any runs in their last game. The White Sox have a 4-0 record when they don’t allow any runs.
When they outhit their opponents, the White Sox and the Rangers are both undefeated. Chicago has a 10-0 record in these situations while Texas is 8-0.
Ranking 28th in runs, Chicago has earned 53 this season. Texas ranks ninth with 77 runs.
Ranking 29th, Chicago is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 40 this season. Texas ranks in the bottom half at 19th with 46.
When the White Sox hit at least one home run, they are 7-3. When the Rangers hit at least one homer, they have a 6-5 record.
